Examining the Criticisms Levelled against Transitional Justice: Towards an Understanding of the State of the Field

Transitional justice is a relatively new field of study. Since at least the late 1980s and early 1990s it has established itself both academically and as an area of practice. It is however much older in origin as is explored in the article. That and many other issues in the field are contested. This paper examines some of the criticisms and disputes within TJ. It argues that almost every aspect and every component of TJ mechanism in every place has been the subject of criticism and difference of opinion to varying degrees. The article focuses on general issues relating to TJ, such as what it is, where it comes from, and provides a general overview of some of the issues relating to TJ processes and mechanisms. This paper draws upon a number of country-specific examples, however, the aim is not to respond to the question of how TJ has unfolded in the many nations around the world where it has occurred. Instead, general critiques are surveyed to determine what these criticisms are.