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Law, Torture, and Retribution in Guam: Global and Insurgent Legalities

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Published in Sacred Men: Law Torture And Retribution In Guam (Global And Insurgent Legalities)

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Guam, a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific, has a long and troubled history of colonialism and violence. The island was first colonized by Spain in the 16th century, and then by the United States in 1898. During the Second World War, Guam was occupied by Japan, and the island was the site of fierce fighting between Japanese and American forces. After the war, Guam became a U.S. territory, and the island has been home to a large U.S. military presence ever since.

Sacred Men: Law, Torture, and Retribution in Guam (Global and Insurgent Legalities)

by Violeta Hemsy de Gainza

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The history of colonialism and violence in Guam has had a profound impact on the legal landscape of the island. The global legal norms that have been imposed on Guam by the United States have often been in tension with the local insurgent practices that have emerged in response to colonialism and violence. This tension has produced a legal landscape that is both violent and contested.

One of the most visible examples of the tension between global and insurgent legalities in Guam is the issue of torture. Torture is prohibited by international law, but it has been practiced by U.S. forces in Guam on numerous occasions. In 2004, for example, U.S. military personnel tortured Iraqi prisoners at the U.S. naval base in Guam. The torture was carried out in violation of international law, and it led to the deaths of several prisoners.

The U.S. government has justified the use of torture in Guam by arguing that it is necessary to protect national security. However, many human rights organizations have condemned the use of torture, and they have called on the U.S. government to end the practice.

The issue of torture is just one example of the tension between global and insurgent legalities in Guam. Other examples include the use of excessive force by police, the militarization of the island, and the suppression of dissent. These tensions are likely to continue as long as Guam remains a U.S. territory.

The legal landscape of Guam is a complex and contradictory one. It is a landscape that is shaped by both global legal norms and local insurgent practices. This tension has produced a legal landscape that is both violent and contested.

Global Legality

Global legality refers to the body of international law that has been developed since the end of the Second World War. This law is based on the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It is designed to protect individuals from human rights abuses, and to promote peace and security.

The United States has played a major role in the development of global legality. The U.S. was a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it has been a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. However, the U.S. has also been criticized for its violations of international law, such as its use of torture and its invasion of Iraq.

Global legality has had a significant impact on Guam. The island is subject to international law, and the U.S. government is obligated to uphold international law in Guam. However, the U.S. government has often failed to do so. For example, the U.S. government has allowed U.S. military personnel to torture Iraqi prisoners in Guam, and it has failed to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

Insurgent Legality

Insurgent legality refers to the body of law that has been developed by insurgent groups in response to colonialism and violence. This law is based on the principles of self-determination, resistance, and justice. It is designed to protect insurgents from human rights abuses, and to promote their struggle for independence.

Insurgent legality has a long history in Guam. The Chamorro people of Guam have been resisting colonialism for centuries. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Chamorro people formed insurgent groups that fought for Guam's independence. These groups developed their own legal systems, which were based on the principles of self-determination and justice.

Insurgent legality continues to play a role in Guam today. There are a number of Chamorro

Sacred Men: Law, Torture, and Retribution in Guam (Global and Insurgent Legalities)

by Violeta Hemsy de Gainza

4.3 out of 5