Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Venue: Bergen Resource Centre for International Development, Juss II, Jekteviksbakken 31

Book launch and lecture with Daniel Brinks, Siri Gloppen, Bruce Wilson, Roberto Gargarella, Elin Skaar and Morten Kinander.

Why do some high courts hold political branches to account and others not? What explains the judiciary´s strong or weak defense of rights? And what role are courts playing -or not playing- in strengthening democracy in Latin America and Africa?

This excellent volume advances a sophisticated comparative framework that seeks to explain the changing nature of courts' accountability function across a wide range of countries. Focusing on courts as a part of a complex ‘accountability nexus' involving institutions, power holders, and citizens, the authors convincingly argue that only complex, multi-causal frameworks can explain the changing behavior and role of courts. Through robust comparative analysis, this book significantly furthers our understanding of the role and potential of the judiciary in strengthening rights-based democracy and makes an important contribution to the existing literature.

Before the book launch, Daniel Brinks of Notre Dame will hold a lecture, also titled "Courts and Power in Latin America and Africa". Dan Brinks is Associate Professor of Political Science, specializing in Comparative Politics and Public Law. His research focuses on the role of the law and courts in guaranteeing democratic and constitutional rights, with a primary regional interest in Latin America.