Law and War: An American Story / Edition 1

by Peter Maguire

Overview

When does the waging of war become a criminal act? And who is in a position to judge? Ranging from the American Indian wars to the Civil War to World War I, and culminating with the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials following the Second World War, Peter Maguire provides much-needed historical perspective on the crucial and ever more urgent issues of war and justice. His examples illustrate the gradations of political justice and the perpetual redefinition of war crimes across three continents and more than a century of American foreign policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231120517
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	02/22/2002
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.02(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Peter Maguire has taught the law and theory of war at Columbia University and Bard College. He was the historical advisor for the documentary Nuremberg: A Courtroom Drama.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Law and War: An American Story
2. The Changing Rules of War and Peace
3. The American War Crimes Program
4. Shifting Priorities
5. Nuremberg: A Cold War Conflict of Interest
6. The War Criminals and the Restoration of West German Sovereignty
Conclusion
Glossary

What People are Saying About This

Ronald Steel

An important and fascinating study, marked by impressive research and moral passion, of war atrocities and legal guilt -- from Wounded Knee to Nuremberg

— Ronald Steel, Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California

H. W. William Caming

Electrifying! A brilliant portrayal of events and personages.... A five-star accomplishment that will intrigue the reader and prove that, in history, truth is often more fascinating than fiction.

— H. W. William Caming, former Nuremberg prosecutor

H.W. William Caming

Electrifying! A brilliant portrayal of events and personages.... A five-star accomplishment that will intrigue the reader and prove that, in history, truth is often more fascinating than fiction.

Editorial Reviews

A 'must read' book for all those interested in international criminal law, war crimes, and war crime trials.

Choice

[An] intriguing historical analysis.

Harvard Law Review

Perceptive.

Journal of American History - Peter Black

Outstanding... impressive... this is a terrific book.

American Historical Review - Michael R. Belknap

Perceptive.

— Peter Black, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Journal of American History

Outstanding... impressive... this is a terrific book.

— Michael R. Belknap, University of California, San Diego

American Historical Review

McGuire, a specialist in law and war, discusses the revolutionary legal and political precedents set by the Nuremberg trials. Drawing on secret correspondence between State Department legal advisors and the American members of various Allied war crimes parole boards, he analyzes how the Nazi war criminals were paroled well before the end of their original prison sentences in the interest of international politics, thus revealing the range and gradations of justice across three continents. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Outstanding... impressive... this is a terrific book.

Michael R. Belknapn Historical Review