John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Location:
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
14 p., In the months before the January earthquake, Haiti and its criminal justice institutions were the subject of an unprecedented effort by two UN agencies to measure the state of the Rule of Law. Drawing on the results of that pre-quake assessment as well as on post-quake assessments of the justice sector, this paper raises four questions that should guide recovery and further development of the police, courts, and prisons in Haiti -- questions that focus attention on the meaning of justice sector reform for the people of Haiti, especially the poor. Tables.
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
19 p., Warns that a dysfunctional justice system continues to pose significant obstacles to the democratic process in a post-earthquake Haiti where security and stability remain fragile.
The recurrence of violence in Haiti since February 1986 has generated strong demands for reforms to the security and justice system, in the broader context and process of democratic construction. Important transformations have been implemented, but certain factors have hampered change. Challenges include an institutional culture that resists certain changes, weak links between the police and justice, inadequate support from international actors, and a deeply constraining economic context.