Citation

Ellis A. Res Publica 2010; 16(2): 181-196.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Association for Legal and Social Philosophy, Publisher Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11158-010-9110-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper argues that there is a default presumption that punishment has some deterrent effect, and that the burden of proof is upon those who allege that the costs of any particular penal system are insufficient to offset its deterrent benefits. This burden of proof transmits to the discussion of international law, with the conclusion that it is those who oppose international jurisdiction, rather than their opponents, who must prove their position. This they have so far failed to do.