Transnational litigation against the mandatory death penalty and anti-sodomy laws: a new Commonwealth human rights strategy?. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novak, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Commonwealth & comparative politics. Volume 59:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 149
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Death penalty -- comparative law -- LGBT rights -- anti-sodomy laws -- human rights litigation -- norm diffusion; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Institutions politiques comparées -- Périodiques; 320.9171241
• DOI: 10.1080/14662043.2020.1852678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-2043

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the Commonwealth, courts engage in transnational judicial dialogue on death penalty abolition and decriminalisation of homosexuality. Strategic litigation uses similarities in colonial-era laws and constitutional provisions to persuade courts to adopt new norms. The London-based Death Penalty Project and Human Dignity Trust have explicit Commonwealth litigation strategies against the mandatory death penalty and anti-sodomy laws, respectively. These organisations' expertise in comparative and international law assists local partners. This article interrogates this litigation according to the 'boomerang' strategy of norm diffusion and critical models. A general Commonwealth human rights litigation strategy can alter state behaviour and ensure norm compliance.