Abstract :
This paper argues that the concept of justice represents a broader and more effective
organizing principle than the rule of law for international efforts to alleviate
poverty. The current focus on the rule of law by international development agencies
features a concentration on courts, other legal institutions, judges, laws and
lawyers. But justice is about far more than the rule of law. The prescriptive portion
of the paper argues that justice is about fair treatment and fair results regarding a
whole host of priorities that, if supported by the international community, can
better address the rights and needs of the poor. It includes organizing the disadvantaged
and advocacy by and for them. The paper concludes on a predictive note
that is far from optimistic about a shift from the rule of law to justice. It sketches
two pessimistic scenarios for how relevant international efforts will look ten years
down the line, but holds out some slight hope for two more positive scenarios
emerging involving legal empowerment.
