The Insular Cases and International Law
Event Type
Panel Discussion
Start Date
4-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2025 1:00 PM
Description
The Insular Cases relied on 1900s conceptions of international law to depart from well-established U.S. constitutional principles to develop a legal framework that embraced the undemocratic colonial rule of millions in overseas U.S. territories. However, understandings of international law have shifted dramatically since 1900, now embracing decolonization and self-determination as peremptory norms of international law. As we approach the 125th Anniversary of the Insular Cases, how should international law interact with and impact the domestic legal frameworks governing the 3.6 million people who live in U.S. territories today?
The Insular Cases and International Law
The Insular Cases relied on 1900s conceptions of international law to depart from well-established U.S. constitutional principles to develop a legal framework that embraced the undemocratic colonial rule of millions in overseas U.S. territories. However, understandings of international law have shifted dramatically since 1900, now embracing decolonization and self-determination as peremptory norms of international law. As we approach the 125th Anniversary of the Insular Cases, how should international law interact with and impact the domestic legal frameworks governing the 3.6 million people who live in U.S. territories today?
Comments
Moderator: Neil Weare
Panelists: Adi Martinez-Roman and Annette Martinez-Orabona