Article
Malleable Law: The (Mis)Use of Legal Tools in the Pursuit of a Political Agenda
ILSA J. Int'l & Comp. L.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Disciplines
Abstract
This paper explores the manipulative use of the law for political gain. It describes instances in which law is distorted and camouflaged under an apparent goal of pursuing justice, social change or development, but its real function is to facilitate the attainment of self-interested political gains or other ends. The malleability of law is illustrated in this article with a description of the social programs known as “Misiones Bolivarianas” implemented in Venezuela since 2004. The Misiones were ostensibly portrayed as effective government measures launched to reduce poverty and fight inequality in areas where traditional state institutions had failed.
Citation Information
Manuel A Gomez. "Malleable Law: The (Mis)Use of Legal Tools in the Pursuit of a Political Agenda" ILSA J. Int'l & Comp. L. Vol. 19 (2013) p. 509 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/manuel-gomez/3/