ICC Reading Assignment

     I am most swayed by the arguments made by Anne Maria Goetz and M. Karmari Clarke. While each position poses very valuable perspectives to take into account, I ultimately believe that the law alone is vulnerable to becoming hallow. A law without support can become an expectation with no backbone- ultimately it might crumble to its foundation if it stands alone. In both Clarke's and Goetz's statements, they present the idea of steadiness, and a need for building this law up rather than hammering it down. 

    Something that really resonated with me from Clarke's statement was when she stated, "justice cannot be misunderstood as law alone". Thinking about this more conceptually, laws are established to maintain social order and achieve justice. The law itself isn't justice, it is a device created in order to morally attain it. Clarke speaks on the need to address the structural inequalities, promote human security, and establish economic, social, and political development in postcolonial Africa. This is what enables justice for these people, and what would ultimately sanction a more prosperous environment for the I.C.C.. In turn, the passing of the I.C.C. would hopefully break this modern day wheel, perpetuating the positive cycle begun by rectifying those who have been mistreated within the country. 

    In a similar notion, Goetz shines light on how poorly funded the Trust Fund for Victims establishment is. Rather than throwing all resources into legislating the I.C.C. instantaneously, Goetz argues that it is more productive to prioritize financial support to those who have been victimized. The same logic applies to Clarke's. The creation of the I.C.C. is no easy task, and in fact rather a very long and turbulent process instead. It makes much more sense in my opinion to target the direct issues caused by the abuse of national power, gain stability, trust, and understanding within the people this law would impact, and then work towards this goal.