International Law and Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

International Law and Human Rights - Essay Example ive sense of cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, or nationalism – is one of those which distinguish the United States’ from the international human rights perspective. (346) Indeed, history has proved that the American Congress and its deliberations are characterized by a consistent concern to protect the sanctity of the US political institutions in a diverse world and a perspective suspicious and disdainful of things foreign. This American relativist attitude according to Patrick and Forman obstructs the United Nations’ human rights objective, which is to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedom for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.1 And so it is understandable to assume that the areas of jurisdiction as well as the enforcement of the World Court’s mandates regarding disputes, such as in human rights, are problematic areas of concern when nations refuse to accede or at least comply with international requirements. The United States in 1986 withdrew from compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, which meant that it accepts the court’s jurisdiction only on case-to-case basis. 2 But however the case is, one cannot deny the role that World Court, the International Criminal Court and War Crimes Tribunals assume in the peaceful and orderly coexistence among the community of nations. They serve as an affirmation of the legality of the world bodies, particularly of the United Nations. As with the other governmental institutions, the judicial branch is central to the efficiency and legitimacy of a government. According to M. Henri Spaark, who was the first President of the United Nations General Assembly, peace will not be achieved if there would be no absolute respect for international jurisdictions and its judgments.3 (Raic1997, 4) The World Court and the International Criminal Court under the wing of the United Nations have already proven their relevance as with the indictment of

Gun Control Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Gun Control - Research Paper Example This led to the enactment of firearms act that sought to regulate ownership through licensing and guidelines for assessing whether an individual was eligible to own a gun. Similar to other laws, the firearm act has seen multiple changes and politics over time (Zimring 1). Currently, both the national and state governments have provisions concerning gun ownership. However, there is a diverse opinion of states over the issue. Some states lack any form of regulation while others have stringent gun control laws Background Information The issue of stringent control of guns probably emerged in the United States after President J.F Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The case gave rise to a heated debate that has caused political criticisms (Carter 34). However, a probe into the American history reveals that gun control has existed since the 1700s. Over the centuries, people have had divided opinions about the stringency of gun ownership control. Some states have allowed citizens to sel l and own guns while others have maintained strict control of ownership of guns. In 1938, the federal government declared its stand concerning firearm ownership. ... The law enlisted different categories of individuals that were not legible to owning firearms. People intending to own guns had to be competent and have clean records. In 1972, the emergence of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms changed the picture of firearm ownership regulation. This body sought to establish profiles of those seeking to own firearms (Carter 56). The body also strived to exert a form of control to combat the illegal use of firearms. Legal gun ownership involved acquiring of licenses from the body that only granted the license to people meeting all requirements. In 1986, the federal government enacted an increase of the penalties subject to those possessing firearms without proper licensing. The government also eased some previously stringent regulations in aid to protect the owners. However, the easing came with a ban of some bullets the public. In the years that followed, the government amended the laws depending on the prevailing rates (Zimring 1). In the 1990s, the regulation of firearm ownership took a different turn with the emergence of a need to introduce a lock mechanism in trigger. In addition, the government identified some zones that had to remain gun-free and these included schools. In 1994, the government introduced a ban on the manufacture and merchandise of potentially harmful assault firearms. Towards the close of the century, the suggestions concerning a mandatory lock mechanism in guns caused a heated debate, but did not pass in the senate. However, the government advised manufactures to provide the lock mechanisms as an alternate for interested owners. However, the lock system finally passed in 1999. Other regulations involve the age limit and storage requirements of the firearms in a bid