do.1 Discussion: World Court of Human Rights

Read

At this time there are over 20 different international courts and tribunals. The various courts address general disputes, criminal prosecutions, trade disputes, human rights violations, military disputes, and so on. Karen Alter’s article sets forth the varied courts and their responsibilities. She also discusses what effect international courts have upon a state’s domestic democracy.

Additionally, with so many such courts, one has to wonder if they are actually aiding in security. But how does one measure the efficacy of an international court? The article by Laurence Helfer discusses factors he believes should be examined in making such a determination.

• The Multiple Roles of International Courts and Tribunals: Enforcement, Dispute Settlement, Constitutional and Administrative Review by Karen J. Alter (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• The Effectiveness of International Adjudicators by Laurence R. Helfer (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Discuss

Bearing in mind Ms. Alter’s research and the four factors Mr. Helfer sets out, discuss:

• Should a World Court for Business and Human Rights (an international court addressing human rights violations by private entities) be created?
  • If such a court were to exist, would it be “successful”?
    • How would we know?
  • Should the United States become a part of it?
    • Why or why not?

Be sure to use valid sources, laws, etc. to support your position, not just rhetoric or political opinion.