Unimaginable Atrocities: Justice, Politics, and Rights at the War Crimes Tribunals.

Dutton, Yvonne M.

Unimaginable Atrocities: Justice, Politics, and Rights at the War Crimes Tribunals. By William Schabas. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.

In this book of eight chapters, William Schabas explores what he calls some "controversies that surround modern atrocity trials" (p. 2). He sets the stage by noting that since 1989, the world community has increasingly relied on international judicial institutions to hold those accused of committing atrocities accountable. He suggests that international justice has apparently become an indispensable component of the policy agendas of the United Nations and other organizations focused on ending world conflict and promoting lasting peace (p. 2). That states frame the goals of international justice with such political and policy-oriented language causes Schabas to argue that international justice is unique and distinct from national criminal justice. The policy and politics of international justice is the subject of this book and the impetus behind Schabas's selection of issues to address.

For example, Schabas explores how cases are selected for international prosecution, arguing that there is an unavoidable political dimension to selection not present at the domestic level. Because of political considerations, the citizens of some powerful states may be off limits. Obtaining the cooperation of witnesses may mean that only one side to a conflict is prosecuted, even if both sides committed crimes. Moreover, because resources are limited, prosecutors have to choose among atrocities committed in different parts of the world. He also explores policy and politics by focusing on the "tension between amnesty and international prosecution" (p. 196). Here, Schabas takes on those who argue that there is no peace without justice and that amnesties, in fact, cannot lead to lasting peace. Instead, he suggests such claims are unproven, and urges policymakers to consider the possibility that in some cases peace might be obtained only if justice is sacrificed.

Perhaps the main shortcoming of the book is that it leaves readers wanting more since many of the chapters themselves could likely be expanded into a book. This is an engaging book for both novices and experts in international criminal law.