During the past half century, large-scale violent conflicts such as those that occurred in Rwanda, East Timor, Cambodia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, and now in Sudan, have killed many millions of people and left the effected regions devastated. This course examines what can be done to restore and reconcile societies recently riven by such widespread violence. Topics for study will include retributive mechanisms such as criminal trials and restorative mechanisms such as truth commissions and reparation schemes. The class will also explore efforts to impose non-criminal accountability for large scale atrocities through traditional justice measures, tort law, lustration, and publication of human rights violations. Finally, the course will examine methods of preventing atrocities through, among other things, humanitarian intervention. A paper will be required.
Optionally satisfies the writing requirement. |
