Rule of Law and Order in Russia
The Financial Times (London) offers this assessment (4 December 2006) of the Russian government's actions effects on the rule of law.The Kremlin is killing Russia's rule of law
"Russian president Vladimir Putin took power in 2000 with promises of recreating a strong, law-abiding state. The killing of Alexander Litvinenko, the former spy, and a spate of other assassinations suggest Mr Putin's Russia may well be strong - but it is far from being law-abiding...
"The Kremlin bluntly denies any involvement. But Mr Putin cannot reject responsibility for contributing to the creation of a state in which assassination has become commonplace...
"Mr Putin has reasserted the Kremlin's authority by riding roughshod over the rights of others, including businessmen, journalists and regional governors. Ex-KGB agents, led by Mr Putin, have restored much of their influence.
"Mr Putin would argue that in the process he has recreated the rule of law. However, this does not mean law as applied by independent courts, but law as imposed by the Kremlin. The state can resort even to gross violations of human rights without fear of legal challenge, as with the recent mass deportation of Georgian migrants. Might, not right, has triumphed.
"As a result, growing numbers of those with power and money feel no need to respect the law. Some seem to think they can bully their way out of any trouble...
"With presidential elections looming in 2008, political rivalries will become more intense. Mr Putin must act now to contain the forces that have been unleashed. For order without law is no order at all."
And for you and your students:
Jurist, a web site at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law has good summary descriptions of the judicial systems and legal education in Russia, China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.
Each web page also includes links to the country's constitution and government web sites.
posted by Ken Wedding @ 7:38 AM
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