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[branford]

82. Interesting.

I apologize if my responses seemed authoritarian or dismissive. I think it is just the trial lawyer in me that likes to deal with orderly, established frameworks and more immediate, easily implemented resolutions. Theoretical discussion of impractical "blue sky" solutions are often an expensive and time-consuming disservice to my clients which unreasonably raises their expectations and ultimately diminishes their faith in me and the judicial system.

I had not previously heard about the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission. It is not unlike other "people's tribunals" employed by groups worldwide for a variety of purposes. I've read about a number of other groups who use similar mechanisms to protest ecological and environmental crimes.

Although a private enterprise, with no direct, formal governmental or international authority or jurisdiction, the KLWCC and similar organizations are certainly not without merit. As with any form of activism or political protest, it draws the public's attention to abuse, corruption and illegality, and pressures real authorities to act. I cannot say whether these unrecognized tribunals are a fringe curiosity or herald a new dynamic, but over time they may in fact change our political and legal culture.