Michael Scharf
Michael Scharf
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
--------------------------------
Michael J. Scharf is a renowned American international law expert, best known for his work on the prosecution of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: March 3, 1961
Still active in academia and public service.
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Nationality: American
Profession: International law expert, academic, lawyer
Scharf is a distinguished professor of international law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He has also served as the United States ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues.
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Michael Scharf grew up in New York City, developing an interest in international affairs from an early age. His academic pursuits led him to study law at Harvard University, where he earned his JD degree.
Scharf began his career as a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs. He was part of the team that investigated and prosecuted war crimes committed during the Bosnian Genocide in the 1990s.
Major Accomplishments
---------------------------
Prosecution of War Crimes: Scharf played a crucial role in the establishment of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, which tried individuals accused of war crimes, including genocide and ethnic cleansing.
International Law Expertise: He has made significant contributions to the development of international law, particularly in the areas of human rights, humanitarian law, and transitional justice.
Notable Works or Actions
------------------------------
Scharf has authored numerous publications on international law, including books, articles, and blog posts. Some notable works include:
"Balkan Justice: The Hague Tribunal and Transitional Justice in the Balkans" (2012)
"The War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia: A Twenty-Year Retrospective" (2013)
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Michael Scharf's work has had a profound impact on the development of international law. His contributions to the prosecution of war crimes have helped establish accountability for human rights abuses worldwide.
Scharf continues to be an influential voice in international law, serving as a consultant to governments and international organizations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
----------------------------------------------
Michael Scharf's expertise and dedication to promoting accountability for human rights abuses make him widely quoted and respected in the field of international law. His experience and insights are sought by policymakers, academics, and journalists worldwide.
Quotes by Michael Scharf
This is one of the most important trials of our lifetimes, ... the number of victims ... the status of the defendant ... and the fact that the whole world went to war against this man in 1991.
Saddam will have rights that none of his victims had because of the Nuremberg precedent.
The defense attorneys in part brought this tragic situation upon themselves when they elected to have their faces and identities broadcast during the first day of the trial,
He needs to cite the precedents of the Yugoslavia tribunal, the Rwanda tribunal, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and domestic courts, which indicate that his response to the situation is perfectly consistent with international due process and fair trial standards.
He is going to use this trial as his bully pulpit in an effort to put that invasion on trial, ... But it's not really in his client's interest to try to hijack the trial and make it all about U.S. violations of international law.
But that's going to be a little difficult because Saddam Hussein has a reputation for not putting anything in writing because he wanted to avoid this very thing.
Nuremberg begat the Yugoslavia tribunal which begat the Rwanda tribunal which begat the special court for Sierra Leone and East Timor and now the permanent International Criminal Court.
Now they are seeking to exploit the tragic -- but not unforeseeable -- murders of their colleagues in an attempt to derail the proceedings.