Balanced Quote by Richard A. Falk
“This issue of expanding the reach of international criminal law by reliance on the use of Universal Jurisdiction by domestic courts needs to be balanced against the injustice of according impunity to those with strong geopolitical backing. It is notable that several western European countries backtracked on UJ after threats of retaliatory moves by the United States and Israel. There is no doubt that the domain of UJ is a geopolitical battleground.”
About This Quote
Source Article: International Law Review, 2020
Universal jurisdiction can be a tool for justice but is vulnerable to geopolitical pressure, risking selective enforcement.
In simple terms: UJ balances justice and politics.
Advocate for consistent, unbiased application of UJ.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- human rights advocacy
- legal reform
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can international law stay impartial?
- What safeguards protect against selective enforcement?
Political interests can undermine legal principles.