Frontline Justice

Abstract

The article proposes a model for rapidly re-establishing a functioning justice system in societies shattered by crisis. The Front-Line Justice system is based on the quick deployment of “justice shelters” in communities, in which trained local jurists give legal information and advice, and local judges issue emergency safeguard orders and mediate disputes between parties. The mandate of the justice shelters is broad, and comprises civil, family, and administrative as well as criminal matters. The shelters are designed to rebuild confidence in the administration of justice by addressing all the justice needs of the local population, rather than limiting themselves to criminal matters or transitional justice issues. As such, the Front-Line Justice system builds on other initiatives, particularly those growing out of the United Nations’ Brahimi Report, and offers a way to address emergency justice issues, but also to move forward towards the re-establishment of working and accepted permanent institutions of justice.

Download full article here:

Otis, Louise & Reiter, Eric. « Front-Line Justice » (2006) 46 Va. J. Int’l. L. 677.

Louise Otis joins the CÉRIUM:

Louise Otis se joint au CÉRIUM:

Louise Otis, chercheure invitée, au CÉRIUM et au ROP 

Interview in French at Planète-Terre.tv (from CÉRIUM) animated by Jean-François Lisée

Theme: The delicate art of mediation


Haiti

Transitional justice and refugee caps in Haiti:

Canadian Lawyers Launch ‘Judicial Red Cross’ for Haiti par MICHEL-ADRIEN, Library Boy, 31 janvier 2010

Also, Montreal Gazette article available here:

Judicial Red Cross’ envisioned for Haiti par KATHRYN LEGER, journaliste pigiste, 22 janvier 20100

Interview in French at Planète-Terre.tv (from CÉRIUM) animated by Jean-François Lisée: