In many countries new democratic governments are coming to power, replacing older repressive regimes. The old regimes often have a history of human rights abuses. Transitional justice refers to the new government's attempts to address injustices perpetrated under the old regime.
Many people advocate prosecution and punishment as the best response to human rights abuses.
They argue that the failure to prosecute such crimes amounts to a tacit endorsement. Prosecuting human rights abuses helps legitimate the new government. It demonstrates the new government's determination to adhere to democratic values and to respect human rights. Punishment will also deter future abuses. It will remove the worst elements from the old regime's remaining military and security forces.