Articles
Inaugural Issue
August 2009
Mission
The Editors
What is the Rule of Law? Why have a Journal about it? This introduction to the DePaul Rule of Law Journal's Inaugural Issue discusses different conceptions of what the Rule of Law is and how to build it, as well as thoughts on what the DePaul Rule of Law Journal seeks to accomplish.
Transparency in Contingency Contracting
Doug Brooks, President, International Peace Operations Association
Mr. Brooks discusses the prevalence of private contractors in international peace and stability operations, as well as the need for the industry to hold itself to high standards of professionalism and accountability. One of the key mechanisms for promoting a successful and professional peace operations industry is the application of the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act to private contractors who commit serious crimes.
MEJA for Street Crimes, Not War Crimes
Tara Lee, DLA Piper LLP
Ms. Lee draws attention to a trend in prosecutions under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act toward bringing ordinary criminal charges in civilian courts for acts that constitute war crimes. Such crimes can, and, in Ms. Lee's view, should be brought under the War Crimes Act or as civilian courts martial and not as MEJA prosecutions.
International Humanitarian Law: It's Not Just for Soldiers Anymore
Colonel Christoper Thomas Mayer, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Col. Mayer discusses the recent expansion in the group of actors who must operate under international law pertaining to civilian populations in conflict areas, with particular reference to the Fourth Geneva Convention. Agencies that provide humanitarian aid must be cognizant of their obligations under international law, as well as the rights of the governments or quasi-government actors. Col. Mayer further suggests that humanitarian-aid providers can improve compliance by adopting as a model the Red Cross Movement Code of Conduct for NGOs in Disaster Relief, and adapting it to fit armed conflict situations.