In Search of International Justice

Narrated by Peter Gabriel, In Search of International Justice offers both an overview of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a crash course in international human rights. Filmed in Kosovo, Uganda, Iraq, Rwanda, and Darfur, and divided into chapters focusing on specific topics related to the ICC and major human rights issues, the film draws from a rich tapestry of sources, including archival film clips, footage from trials and other official proceedings, and interviews with international judges, legal professionals, human rights activists, and victims of abuse. The section titled “The U.S. vs. the ICC” will no doubt trouble many Americans. The United States has not joined the 100 countries that have signed the ICC treaty, and speeches from President Bush and Tom DeLay articulate some of the reasons why, including the argument that many American leaders do not want U.S. soldiers dragged before a foreign court. Looking at the record in Iraq, however, the film points out that the U.S. has failed to follow the human rights standards it applies to other countries (testimony from Iraqis, such as the family of a man killed at Abu Ghraib prison, drive this point home). Veteran filmmaker Judy Jackson's remarkable documentary makes a compelling case for an independent, international court to protect and enforce basic human rights. DVD extras include additional interview clips with scholars, activists, and legal professionals on topics covered in the film. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (J. Wadland)