| ID | 119907 |
| Title Proper | Revitalizing the rule of law |
| Other Title Information | examining the success of the Arab Spring |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Chertoff, Meryl ; Green, Michael |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Since December 2010, the eyes of the world have been drawn to the dramatic developments in North Africa and the Middle East, as popular revolutions have toppled autocratic regimes throughout the region. The American people's egalitarian instincts have sided with the democratic political aspirations of these revolutions. However, our obsessive focus on free and fair elections has caused us to overlook another critical element in the construction of flourishing societies in Arab Spring countries. The framers of the new constitutions in these countries, and the people themselves, will need to construct impartial, fair, independent, and transparent judicial systems, and a culture of confidence in their courts in order to foster a robust civil society. Only then will citizens feel secure that they will be justly treated if they are subjected to overreach by popular majorities or executive entities. The development of impartial and independent courts is a prerequisite to the rule of law. |
| `In' analytical Note | Harvard International Review Vol. 34, No.2; Fall 2012: p.59-63 |
| Journal Source | Harvard International Review Vol. 34, No.2; Fall 2012: p.59-63 |
| Key Words | North Africa ; Middle East ; Arab Spring ; Judicial Systems ; Rule of Law |