Transitional Justice

At the century's end, societies all over the world are moving from authoritarian rule to democracy. At any such time of radical change, the question arises: should a society punish its ancien regime or let bygones by bygones? Ruti Teitel explores the recurring question of how regimes should respond to evil rule, arguing against the view favouring punishment, and contending through historical and comparative illustrations that the law nevertheless plays a profound role in periods of radical change. She proposes a new normative conception of justice, one that is highly politicized.