Democratizing International Law

Global Policy, Volume 2, issue 3, pp. 241-47

U of Michigan Public Law Research Paper No. 278

26 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2012

See all articles by Steven Ratner

Steven Ratner

University of Michigan Law School

Robert E. Goodin

Australian National University (ANU) - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS)

Date Written: June 3, 2011

Abstract

Jus cogens are peremptory norms of international law. No treaty between states can violate them. They are based on fundamental moral precepts and are supposed to reflect a global consensus. As a result, the views of the people of the world – not just states and courts and international lawyers – ought to be assessed as part of that. Direct democratic input into what should be considered jus cogens can be promoted by convening Global Citizens’ Juries on the norms under discussion. Deliberations in small groups of people drawn from many nations can provide robust indicators of what world opinion would be, if everyone had access to similar information and discussions. Where broad consensus emerges across several such Global Citizens’ Juries, countries, courts and others ought to take that into account in deciding what to treat as peremptory norms of international law. Such a process would mark a significant contribution to improving the democratic deficit that currently prevails in making and implementing international law.

Keywords: global justice, international law, citizens juries, jus cogens

Suggested Citation

Ratner, Steven and Goodin, Robert E., Democratizing International Law (June 3, 2011). Global Policy, Volume 2, issue 3, pp. 241-47, U of Michigan Public Law Research Paper No. 278, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2047187

Steven Ratner (Contact Author)

University of Michigan Law School ( email )

625 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1215
United States

Robert E. Goodin

Australian National University (ANU) - Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS) ( email )

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200
Australia
61 2 6125 5111 (Phone)

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