The Alien Torts Statute

"The Alien Torts Statute" describes the international substantive and procedural rules on extra-territorial jurisdiction for torts which are also violations of international law. It examines the ATS and Torture Victims Protection Act in depth, as well as considering homologous foreign laws which likewise grant victims of torts in violation of the law of nations. This book also considers the possible use of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act as a remedy for extraterritorial violations of basic human rights. Ancillary legislation such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is also considered. The work thus serves as a reference and potential source for plaintiff's arguments and defences. It includes a detailed catalogue of the procedural obstacles which courts impose on litigants to avoid frivolous lawsuits and details how plaintiffs may meet such obstacles.