Contribution to Book
Increasing Effectiveness Of The Legal Regime For The Protection Of The International Archaeological Heritage
Cultural heritage issues : the legacy of conquest, colonization, and commerce
(2009)
Abstract
This chapter examines the structure of the legal regime that is used to preserve the international archaeological heritage. It also considers the means for improving the effectiveness of this legal regime. Two aspects of the legal regime have developed in the United States that are concerned with the protection of the archaeological heritage laws specifically designed to protect archaeological heritage and laws of general application that have been used increasingly for this same purpose. When the museum or taxpayer is seeking a government benefit, they, not the government, should bear the burden of proving legitimate ownership and a documented history that excludes the possibility that these antiquities are the product of recent site looting. The goal of such additional regulation is increased preservation of archaeological sites so that we, and future generations, can learn from and enjoy the past.
Keywords
- antiquities; foreign museum; international archaeological heritage; legal regime; legitimate ownership
Disciplines
Publication Date
December 7, 2009
Editor
James A.R. Nafziger, Ann M. Nicgorski
Publisher
Martinus Nijhoff Publishers
ISBN
9789004160361
DOI
10.1163/ej.9789004160361.i-466.89
Citation Information
Patty Gerstenblith, Increasing Effectiveness of the Legal Regime for the Protection of the International Archaeological Heritage, in Cultural Heritage Issues (J. Nafziger and A. Nigorski, eds., Brill 2009)