Peter Phillips’ Post

In the realm of international relations and conflict resolution, the power of language cannot be understated. Recent events have highlighted how terminology can be strategically employed, shaping perceptions and international responses. The use of charged terms like ‘genocide’ in conflicts, notably in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, merits a closer examination. This strategic linguistic choice raises critical questions about the adherence to and the impact of international law. It is a stark reminder that international legal frameworks hold significance predominantly for those who choose to abide by them. The challenge arises when entities operate outside these norms, leveraging the language of law for strategic advantages, while disregarding the legal obligations themselves. This situation underscores a fundamental paradox in international law: its principles are most binding upon those who commit to legal and ethical standards. For law-abiding nations, the adherence to international law is both a moral obligation and a source of international legitimacy. However, this commitment can become a vulnerability when faced with actors who exploit these norms without reciprocation. As we navigate these complex issues, it is imperative for the international community to reflect on how we can reinforce the integrity of international law, ensuring it serves its purpose as a tool for justice and peace, rather than a weapon in the arsenal of conflict. The challenge is not only in crafting these laws but in fostering a global environment where adherence is universally valued and enforced. #InternationalLaw #ConflictResolution #GeopoliticalStrategy

You can learn about international law from this interview. I highly recommend it.

👏Congratulations to International Arbitration partner Melida Hodgson, who was installed as the first Black Latina president of the American Society of International Law during the 118th ASIL Annual Meeting. ASIL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization that aims to "foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice." ASIL holds Special Consultative Status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a constituent society of the American Council of Learned Societies. #Arbitration #InternationalLaw #ASIL

The #StateBarCA observes #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth, honoring the achievements of the Filipino American community in the Golden State and beyond. Today, we recognize Raymond A. Buenaventura, an attorney member of our Board of Trustees, for his invaluable contributions to California’s legal profession. To learn more about Trustee Buenaventura, check out his bio: https://bit.ly/3Q7jvpk

Forrest “Woody” Mosten is an experienced lawyer, mediator, and educator. A founding member of MBBI, Woody has devoted his career to advancing mediation and peacemaking both in the United States and globally. Read more here on his spotlight article: https://lnkd.in/eCphrg2h

"Out-of-court settlements have been an integral part of the Indian subcontinent's justice system since ancient times. Traditionally, we had systems like the Panchayat, where a council of elders mediated and resolved conflicts within communities across this region. While the British formalized our legal systems, it is time to reconnect with our roots. By combining our traditional methods of dispute resolution with the valuable insights and experience from Japan, we can enhance our approach to justice and make it more efficient and accessible for everyone." At the launching event of the 'Development of Mediation and Civil Litigation Practices for Enhancement of Access to Justice Project implemented by the Law and Justice Division and supported by JICA.

Today's event at UM Law, which I am honored to moderate on behalf of the Cardozo Jewish Legal Society, the Comparative Jewish Law Society, the Miami Law Veterans Association, and the Federalist Society. This is an opportunity to learn from an esteemed Judge, Lawyer, and Yom Kippur War Veteran about Israel's current conflict with Hamas. Now, more than ever, education, analysis, facts, and #truth are of paramount importance. RSVP Here-> https://bit.ly/gizatogaza To that end, I also highly recommend this article by Michael Oren. I have never learned so much about the history of Gaza from one article, and it is the perfect context for today's conversation. https://lnkd.in/eutzAxim

‘How a court adjudicates matrimonial cases reflects what a society thinks about their families.   Although Hong Kong is a more commercially focused society, there is still ample room for love, altruism and harmony. Indeed, there is a phrase which is commonly used in Cantonese conversation: “人情” (literally translated as ‘being humane’, although one might argue that there is no true English equivalent).   Commercial considerations are important. A city’s reputation is important. However, do they matter much if the law cannot even protect the right of a woman, who has diligently supported her family for decades, to remain in her home?’ Now available on The CLR Blog., the exclusive blog of The City Law Review. The link is available below: https://lnkd.in/ehQVH8Yv #lawreview #law #familylaw #hongkong #englishlaw #matrimonialfinance #chancery #trustlaw #equityandtrusts #thecitylawschool #cityuniversity #thecitylawreview #theclrblog.

The pro-Palestinian/pro-Israeli tensions in Canada's legal profession are at a whole other level than the highly charged level they are at in the United States. Almost 700 Canadian lawyers, professors and law students have signed an open letter calling the backlash against pro-Palestinian voices within the legal profession and academia a “new McCarthyism.” The letter is the latest flashpoint in increasing tensions and simmering antisemitism and Islamophobia in Canada’s legal community. Jewish lawyers are on high alert, always looking over their shoulders. Muslim lawyers are reporting they, too, feel unsafe and silenced. “Law students, lawyers, senior practitioners and law professors are experiencing suppression and silencing. Some have even faced blacklisting and disciplinary actions for discussing what is fundamentally a human rights issue.” This is all happening in spite of efforts by pro-Israel and Muslim groups to work together to separate themselves from the highly charged pro-Palestinian protestors. #freespeech #violentprotesting #antisemitism #islamaphobia #propalestinian

What is Prima Facie? The dictionary is my best friend when it comes to Latin legal terms. I mean, the legal world is chock-full of them. It's like having a secret language! However, there's a twist with "prima facie." The dictionary definition doesn't always align with how it plays out in the courtroom. Let's unravel the mystery in the latest edition of Hitam Putih! https://lnkd.in/gGnDDU_5 #legalese