Abstract
Legal mobilization as legitimate counterpower: The need for deliberate, strategic, bold and innovative approaches to redress systemic, racial injustice.
The role of law and the function of the courts in society has been attracting significant attention, particularly in relation to the treatment of people of colour. Citizens and civil society organizations, often as part of broader social movements, have turned to the courts when it is determined that administrative and legislative authorities are directly or indirectly contributing to systemic inequalities and injustice. However, as a liberal solution that is preoccupied with individual outcomes, the results of court challenges have been mixed, leading to public dissatisfaction and often outrage.
Redressing systemic, racial injustices through the courts reveals how, as with any use of law, legal mobilization is not self-evident, or apolitical. It requires deliberate, strategic, bold and innovative approaches, including an intersectional understanding of how systemic inequality and discrimination operate.
The role of law and the function of the courts in society has been attracting significant attention, particularly in relation to the treatment of people of colour. Citizens and civil society organizations, often as part of broader social movements, have turned to the courts when it is determined that administrative and legislative authorities are directly or indirectly contributing to systemic inequalities and injustice. However, as a liberal solution that is preoccupied with individual outcomes, the results of court challenges have been mixed, leading to public dissatisfaction and often outrage.
Redressing systemic, racial injustices through the courts reveals how, as with any use of law, legal mobilization is not self-evident, or apolitical. It requires deliberate, strategic, bold and innovative approaches, including an intersectional understanding of how systemic inequality and discrimination operate.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Leiden |
Media of output | Blog |
Publication status | Published - 7 Jul 2022 |
Research programs
- ISS-GLSJ