Posted by Howard S. Schiffman on May 05, 2001 at 20:10:50:
In Reply to: Analysis of international law posted by Adriana Cabassa on May 05, 2001 at 19:10:27:
Dear Adriana Cabassa,
The study of criminal justice systems around the world is something addressed by at least two disciplines that I know of, but neither falls squarely within what we would call "international law." Public international law is concerned with laws between nation-states. The comparative study of the different legal systems of the world is logically termed "comparative law" and this to some extent addresses the various and differing practices of criminal justice systems around the world. This knowledge is important to law enforcement officials, criminal lawyers and others who need to deal with other criminal justice systems from time to time.
Perhaps a better place for you to look would be in the field of "criminology" which is actually a domain of sociology. As a behavioral science, its focus is not primarily on law but rather on the social factors of crime and the operation of criminal justice systems from the standpoint of key social factors. Cross-cultural research, or examining similar variables in different countries (across cultures), is a big part of much scientific discovery, especially in the behavioral sciences. Cross-cultural research can help us understand whether certain factors are universal or specific to certain cultures and if so, why. Since my own expertise is in the area of international law, I really can't respond in any greater depth.
Maybe some other visitors to the Forum will be able to provide more information. Please feel free to post whatever you find. I'm sure many others will be interested.
Best of luck,
Howard S. Schiffman, Esq.
Co-Founder and Administrator
InternationalLawHelp.com
: I am seeking sources that address the benefits that can be gained from the study of criminal justice systems in other countries.