When faced with injustice what can a concerned citizen do? In 1933, when Hitler tried to blame Communists for setting the German parliament on fire, a group of European and American lawyers responded by staging a countertrial, which proved them innocent and eventually led to their release. A new unofficial way of advancing human rights was thus launched. This groundbreaking study narrates the history of such 'citizens tribunals' from this first astonishing success to the mixed record of subsequent efforts-including tribunals on the Moscow show trials, the American war in Vietnam, Japanese sexual slavery, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and the excesses of 'global capitalism'.
'This is a fascinating book of contemporary accounts...grounded in impressive historical research, using a large amount of primary and secondary sources with a wide geographical spread.' - Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy
'Accessible writing, meticulous research, and a provocative viewpoint thoughtfully presented make this a highly recommended volume...' - Choice
'...this book is extremely valuable.' - Caron Gentry, International Affiars
'Accessible writing, meticulous research, and a provocative viewpoint thoughtfully presented make this a highly recommended volume...' - Choice
'...this book is extremely valuable.' - Caron Gentry, International Affiars