He also discusses the practical constraints faced by new governments. Transitional justice refers to the new government's attempts to address injustices perpetrated under the old regime. The basic objectives of transitional justice are prevention and reparation. Justice requires that the new government should seek to prevent recurrence of human rights abuses. Justice also demands that the new government should seek to repair damage from past abuses.
Transitional justice occurs within a context of larger objectives.
The new government must also unify and depolarize the nation, rebuild the basic institutions needed to support a fair political system, and acquire needed economic resources and rebuild the economy. International Moral and Legal Standards Zalaquett argues that legitimate human rights policies must be based on complete, publicized and officially acknowledged knowledge of the truth regarding the past abuses. The new government's policies must have popular approval. The policies must also be consistent with international law regarding human rights. For example, trials must be fair and open.