Michael Ratner
Michael Ratner: A Champion of Human Rights and Accountability
Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Ratner was an American lawyer, activist, and author, best known for his work as the President Emeritus of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR).
Birth and Death Dates
Ratner was born on October 13, 1943, in New York City. He passed away on November 11, 2020.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Michael Ratner was an American lawyer by profession, specializing in international human rights law, constitutional law, and national security law.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Ratner's early life was marked by a strong sense of social justice. His parents, both activists in the labor movement, instilled in him a commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. This upbringing laid the foundation for Ratner's future work as a human rights lawyer.
Ratner attended the University of Pennsylvania and later earned his law degree from Columbia Law School. During this time, he was exposed to the works of renowned thinkers such as Karl Marx and Jean-Paul Sartre, which further deepened his understanding of social justice and human rights.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Ratner achieved numerous milestones that solidified his reputation as a leading advocate for human rights. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Leading the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR): As President Emeritus of CCR, Ratner spearheaded numerous high-profile cases challenging government abuses of power and protecting civil liberties.
Gross v. FBL Financial Services: Ratner's work on this landmark case led to a significant victory in the Supreme Court, establishing that corporations could be held accountable for human rights abuses abroad.
Exposing CIA Torture: Ratner played a crucial role in exposing the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) use of torture during the Bush administration.Notable Works or Actions
Ratner authored several books, including "Who Killed Che?" and "The Torture Papers: The Road to Abu Ghraib.*
As an outspoken critic of government wrongdoing, Ratner frequently spoke at conferences and lectures, sharing his insights on human rights issues with a wider audience.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Ratner's tireless efforts to promote accountability and protect civil liberties have left a lasting impact on the world. His unwavering commitment to social justice inspired countless individuals and organizations to join the fight for human rights.
Ratner's work served as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, individuals can make a difference when driven by their convictions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Ratner is widely quoted and remembered due to his unflinching dedication to fighting for human rights. His expertise on constitutional law, national security law, and international human rights law made him an invaluable resource for those seeking justice.
Through his numerous achievements, writings, and public appearances, Ratner left a lasting legacy as a champion of human rights and accountability.
Quotes by Michael Ratner
They couldn't show people what they were really doing, because what they were really doing was illegal and inhumane, ... It's such a fraud. It reminds me of the special concentration camps set up in World War II. They would take the Red Cross there to see there was an orchestra and all sorts of nice things.
It's chilling to read it, not because of one incident but because of what you see here, the United States was running here, was a two-and-a-half year interrogation camp,
The big problem for me here is they're nailing these low-level guys. A vigorous defense is that this stuff was authorized from the top.
This lawless situation must not continue, ... Every imprisoned person should have the right to test the legality of their detention. It is this basic principle that has been denied to our clients.
This lawless situation must not continue. Every imprisoned person should have the right to test the legality of their detention. It is this basic principle that has been denied to our clients,
They have been very resistant to releasing the names. There are still people there who don't have a lawyer, and we don't know who they are. They have disappeared.
This could be a big break if Pappas testifies as to why those dogs were used and who ordered the dogs to be used. It's a steppingstone going up the chain of command, and that's positive. It might demonstrate that it wasn't just a few rotten apples.
The Supreme Court has not closed the doors of justice to the detainees imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay. This is a major victory for the rule of law and affirms the right of every person, citizen or non-citizen, detained by the United States to test the legality of his or her detention in a U.S. Court.