Internment Without Trial; The Lessons from the United States, Northern Ireland & Israel

Abstract:     
Internment without trial is neither novel nor normal; it is an emergency measure, which has regularly been employed. As a result, internment has a long, if not distinguished, history. Through an examination of that history, this article aims to identify some of the difficulties associated with the application of a policy of internment. Due to the ongoing use of internment around the world, this exercise is, in and of itself, a useful one. However, following the introduction of the Anti-Terror Crimes and Security Act 2001, which saw internment reinstated on the UK statute books, this exercise has taken on an increased importance. This article does not aim to consider the new legislation in any detail, but rather it aims to consider previous models and as a result attempt to identify some general lessons which may later be applied to the present situation.

Keywords: Internment, administrative, detention

JEL Classifications: K10

Working Paper Series