Institutional Responses to Genocide and Mass Atrocity.

Source: (-0001) Paper. Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science, The New School University, New York. Downloaded 10 August 2005.

This chapter will consider how nations moving in a positive normative direction — that is,
from a repressive to a more democratic state of affairs — have attempted to come to terms with
their violent history. Specifically, it will consider the viability of tribunals and truth
commissions (TCs). The chapter is divided into two parts. Part one, “Theoretical Issues,”
briefly discusses the normative underpinnings of tribunals and truth commissions, retributive and
restorative justice, respectively. I will consider the justifications, promises and limits of both
models. Part two, “Empirical Considerations,” identifies factors that affect the viability of
commissions and tribunals, and emphasizes the importance of contextual constraints on their
implementation and use.(excerpt)