tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post3824583061243843267..comments2024-03-06T10:16:40.696+00:00Comments on PhD studies in human rights: Charles Taylor Judgment Suggests a More Modest Level of Participation in the Sierra Leone ConflictWilliam A. Schabashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552332133145290879noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post-73459954497177907252012-05-04T11:46:04.808+01:002012-05-04T11:46:04.808+01:00This comment has been removed by the author.William A. Schabashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17552332133145290879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post-79627393260594200842012-05-04T11:46:00.571+01:002012-05-04T11:46:00.571+01:00Judge Sow, as I understand it, is not only a judge...Judge Sow, as I understand it, is not only a judge of high integrity (with 29 years of experience), but also a person of great integrity. That he was not permitted to speak at the reading of the Court's summary of its judgement certainly casts a shadow over the proceedings of the Court. Years ago, I clerked in a U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court for the Hon. Edward J. Ryan, who was often heard to say "In bankruptcy court, things must not only be right, they must SEEM right." I've never forgotten those words, and, sadly for all concerned, the recent developments at the SCSL (including the delays in the judgement and the failure to present it in writing) are certainly at odds with the appearance of propriety. That Judge Sow was, in essence, silenced, only adds to the sense of impropriety. We all know that "justice is blind", but we don't expect her to also be deaf to those who wish to speak on her behalf.<br /><br />Comment from Don FerenczWilliam A. Schabashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17552332133145290879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post-45033614645857341472012-05-01T10:54:30.914+01:002012-05-01T10:54:30.914+01:00Why does the alternate judge have a microphone if ...Why does the alternate judge have a microphone if he is not entitled to speak?<br /><br />What did the judge mean by there were no deliberations?<br /><br />I suspect that the other judges would not have walked out on him if he was going to commend them for a job well done.<br /><br />The whole scenario smacks of poor leadership, lack of mutual respect and absence of collegiality. Would it have been too much if the presiding judge said something like: the alternate judge has no right to vote, however he has been a part of the proceedings and he has personal views/opinion/statement (or similar word other judgment) which he will now express. These views do not form part of the judgment of this court. <br /><br />In all while the alternate judge’s action might not have been the most decorous, in the circumstances, switching off his microphone and drawing the curtains on him did more harm than good. <br /><br />In situations of this nature, international tribunals should err on the side of transparency. There is no greater fodder for conspiracy speculators and doubters than a judge muzzled in open court.Agbejorohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09463215388164467136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post-20077385714616012712012-04-30T21:45:41.579+01:002012-04-30T21:45:41.579+01:00Prof. Schabas,
I really enjoy reading your reflec...Prof. Schabas,<br /><br />I really enjoy reading your reflections here on current events in international law. I wish more of your students and blog-followers would comment, because being found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes seems like the most unwelcomed verdict for world leaders. <br /><br />Today, The Washington Post printed a letter to the Editor that I wrote suggesting that the US attorney general make a case against Charles Taylor for the murder of 5 US nuns who were murdered in 1992. Liberia seems to be a long ways from finding justice for war criminals within its own borders, but perhaps a trial in the US against Taylor would be a better approach should Taylor outlive his sentence. Any thoughts?Timothy McEniry-Roschkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08188229229434101642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4605495417463810012.post-9258426317257535202012-04-28T10:49:56.286+01:002012-04-28T10:49:56.286+01:00I can't add anything from inside the courtroom...I can't add anything from inside the courtroom but would strongly urge others that can to do so. <br /><br />Whether one agrees with the sentiment or not, it takes great courage to come forward as Justice Sow did yesterday. I commend him for that.IntCrimLawBloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06234287001816117814noreply@blogger.com