The Expanding Use of the Alien Tort Statute in International Human Rights Enforcement

Richard O. Faulk, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP

Abstract

This article examines the historical foundations of the ATS, the complexities of its recent interpretations. It then weighs the utility of the Act as a means for enforcing international human rights in the courts, and examines the risks posed by current trends to those who increasingly pursue international business opportunities. As will be seen, the boundaries of the ATS are inadequately defined, and there are dangerous opportunities for common law mischief and abuse. Precautions are obviously necessary, and the trend toward internationalism in United States jurisprudence suggests that even greater risks lie ahead.