International Law

Dwight Peterson says: "I think it is far too early to concede that the view that international law does not exist is an American one. I simply cannot imagine all of the members of the EU rolling over and accepting without question any decision that might chastise their own country without considerable fight when that phase of the Union begins".

My comment: All the comments I have heard denying the existence of international law have come from Americans. The major West European countries would certainly abide by it. They would not "roll over"; they would put up a formal defense. However, we must be sure that judges are chosen on the basis of their competency and impartiality. Political appointments would be unacceptable, and I believe they would be rejected. Unfortunately Americans are used to judicial appointments being political. Even Supreme Court appointments are decided by politics. The decision to stop seeking the opinion of the American Bar Association as to the qualifications of candidates has made the situation worse. The US has the most politicized system of justice of the major Western countries.

Ronald Hilton - 8/10/02