The Internet Revolution and International Justice - Sir Geoffrey Nice QC

TL;DR

Trials and inquiries play a crucial role in not only delivering verdicts and punishments but also in creating accurate narratives of events.

Transcript

i've never been the victim of conflict violence and can't know how important it is to have verdict and punishment and i don't diminish their importance but it may well be that one of the most important functions of any form of trial or inquiry is to leave behind the best possible account of events the best narrative a belief that this can or should... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚚 Trials and inquiries have a vital role beyond delivering verdicts and punishments.
• 🎮 Different viewpoints exist regarding the sole purpose of criminal trials, with some emphasizing their importance solely during the trial itself.
• 👨‍⚖️ Alternative tribunals, empowered by the internet, have emerged to address injustices, showcasing the potential of citizen-driven justice.
• 🫡 International courts should prioritize high-quality justice over political interests to gain the respect of the people they serve.
• 🧑‍🏭 The reduction of future conflicts and crimes through deterrence is a great ambition, but the involvement of various societal factors is critical.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the primary goal of trials and inquiries?

While delivering verdicts and punishments is important, the key goal is to create a comprehensive account of events and narratives.

Q: How have alternative tribunals emerged in recent times?

The rise of the internet and citizen empowerment has led to the establishment of tribunals like the Lord Russell-style tribunal for addressing crimes such as the Iranian massacres in the 1980s.

Q: How do international courts differ from other legal systems?

International courts should be seen as part of larger projects, focusing on providing high-quality justice without engaging in politics, unlike some national legal systems.

Q: How have internet and computer-assisted processes affected the pursuit of justice?

Internet and computer-assisted processes, like the use of Skype for witness testimonies, have enabled the world citizen to take matters into their own hands when courts fail, contributing to the creation of comprehensive accounts of events.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Trials and inquiries serve to create the best possible account of events and narratives, with their importance going beyond delivering verdicts and punishments.

• The criminal process, according to some views, is primarily meant for the trial itself and lacks significance beyond that.

• The rise of the internet and citizen empowerment has led to the establishment of alternative tribunals, such as the Lord Russell-style tribunal for the massacres of Iranians during the 1980s.

• International courts, including the International Criminal Court, should be seen as part of larger projects and focus on providing high-quality justice rather than engaging in politics.