Beyond the Courtroom

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How Law and Peace Work Together to Create Justice

Beyond the Courtroom

Rectangle 341

How Law and Peace Work Together to Create Justice

Table of Contents

Introduction

A surface-level understanding of law and justice can make the courtroom feel like a place of business where winning cases is the only end goal. However, the legal system was designed for more than victories and losses; it was meant to resolve conflicts and build peace.

Peacebuilding, similarly, is often boxed into a limited view. Though peace work is misunderstood as “soft” or “idealistic”, it drives tangible impacts. Those working in peace make actionable changes, negotiating resolutions that strengthen communities. 

As a passionate, justice-seeking advocate, combining a legal profession with an ambition for bridging divides will equip you to find lasting, sustainable, and meaningful solutions for the people you represent and fight to defend. 

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The Intersection of Law and Peace

At first glance, law and peace may seem like separate disciplines. Law provides the structure for resolving disputes, while peacebuilding ensures equitable and durable resolutions. 

Combined, they form a foundation for justice beyond victory or punishment, addressing the root causes of conflict to build a more just and enduring society. 

Why Does Peacebuilding

Matter in Law?

To understand peacebuilding’s role in law, we confront a fundamental question:

Does the law alone resolve conflict, or do peacebuilding principles need to be used to create lasting solutions?

While legal systems establish order and justice, without addressing the underlying causes of conflict, the law risks becoming a temporary fix rather than a pathway to lasting stability. If resolution is the true goal, then building lasting peace is how we achieve it.

One insightful example of peacebuilding integrated into law is Rwanda’s response to the 1994 genocide. After the devastation of unimaginable violence, the country introduced Gacaca courts—a community-based justice system where local communities appointed judges to oversee trials for crimes committed during the genocide. This system allowed offenders to confess, apologize and hear firsthand accounts from victims, while communities collectively determined fair punishments. Centered on reconciliation and accountability, Gacaca courts helped restore peace and rebuild trust among Rwandans.

Another example of peacebuilding within legal systems is seen through the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). These commissions, though they did not replace traditional legal liability, provided a structured space for victims of South Africa’s apartheid to share experiences and for perpetrators to acknowledge wrongdoing. This initiative promoted healing alongside legal justice. 

Law Stands as the Foundation of Justice

Laws establish responsibility and define justice, serving as a backbone of stable societies. In domestic and international settings, legal frameworks ensure that individuals, governments and institutions operate within just and ethical boundaries.

For example, constitutional law protects human rights and civil liberties. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education in the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrate how legal decisions can drive societal change, dismantle institutional discrimination and protect the equality of individuals and populations. Though it began as enforcement and accountability, the law was able to set in motion a level of justice that thrust America into a new era of equality. 

On a global scale, international law holds nations accountable for maintaining peaceful relations among themselves and within their governance, upholding the freedom of their citizens. 

Three people are seated at a table in an office, discussing and reviewing a document about law, with a laptop and coffee cup on the table.

Three people are seated at a table in an office, discussing and reviewing a document about law, with a laptop and coffee cup on the table.

Law Stands as the Foundation of Justice

Laws establish responsibility and define justice, serving as a backbone of stable societies. In domestic and international settings, legal frameworks ensure that individuals, governments and institutions operate within just and ethical boundaries.

For example, constitutional law protects human rights and civil liberties. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education in the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrate how legal decisions can drive societal change, dismantle institutional discrimination and protect the equality of individuals and populations. Though it began as enforcement and accountability, the law was able to set in motion a level of justice that thrust America into a new era of equality. 

On a global scale, international law holds nations accountable for maintaining peaceful relations among themselves and within their governance, upholding the freedom of their citizens. 

Two people sit in chairs on a rug in a modern room with large windows, engaged in a peaceful conversation. The room, designed for discussions of law and justice, has empty chairs lined up along the wall.

Legal Systems Help Promote Conflict Mediation and Resolution

Legal systems do more than enforce laws—they provide structured mechanisms for resolving disputes fairly and justly. Courts and legal frameworks help mediate conflicts, ensuring disagreements are settled through legal processes rather than escalating into prolonged contentions.

One key example is international arbitration, which allows nations and corporations to resolve trade and diplomatic disagreements outside national court systems. This approach helps de-escalate tensions and promotes impartial decision-making. Globally, legal negotiation and mediation prevent drawn-out legal battles, fostering compromise and encouraging peaceful resolutions.

Conflict is Prevented Through Legal Protections

Law is a tool for conflict resolution and a preventative measure against future crises. 

Throughout history, nations have implemented legal frameworks to protect vulnerable populations, prevent human rights abuses and deter authoritarian rule and corruption. Institutions like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) enforce international anti-genocide laws, holding individuals accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

One high-profile example of utilizing the law for legal prevention can be seen through the prosecution of war criminals from the Yugoslav Wars. Tribunals took legal action to set a precedent to prevent future atrocities, upholding justice and communicating that crimes of such an inhumane nature would be met with consequences. 

In the same vein, laws that regulate democratic institutions and fair elections act as safeguards against authoritarianism, preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a single authority figure, which can lead to instability and oppression.

The Role of International Law in Peacebuilding

In war-torn regions, international law contributes to peacebuilding by holding individuals and states accountable for crimes against humanity. Institutions like the ICC enforce these laws and reinforce global stability to ensure no crime evades justice.

A notable example is the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in fueling the Sierra Leone Civil War. His trial set a powerful precedent, emphasizing that even high-ranking officials are not above the law. Similar cases include the trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba, former Vice President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for war crimes committed under his command in the Central African Republic. 

Ultimately, international law challenges impunity on a global scale, vitally contributing to peacebuilding.

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Peace Treaties and Agreements

Peace treaties are integral for post-war reconstruction and the legal prevention and resolution of conflicts. These agreements establish terms for reconciliation, territorial settlements and political cooperation, helping nations transition out of the atmosphere of war.

The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, ended three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland rooted in political and sectarian divisions between unionists and nationalists. By legally guaranteeing power-sharing between unionists and nationalists, the agreement reduced hostility between opposing sects, establishing power-sharing and restructured governance.

All across the globe, peace treaties demonstrate how legal frameworks can transform conflict zones.

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Law and Peace in Practice: Explore the Field 

Legal professionals play a growing role in peacebuilding efforts, applying their expertise to human rights advocacy, conflict resolution, policymaking and beyond. The field of law offers various pathways through which professionals can contribute to a more peaceful and just society, all while pursuing a fulfilling career. 

 

How Do Lawyers Contribute to Peace and Justice?

The work of a lawyer extends beyond representing clients in courts, they drive tangible change by shaping justice and peace.

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    Human Rights Advocacy

    Lawyers can contribute to peace and justice through human rights advocacy, fighting to protect marginalized communities through legal channels. 

    For example, legal professionals have combatted racial discrimination, advocated for refugee rights and championed gender equality. Their tireless efforts in representing vulnerable communities are essential for advancing human rights, peace and justice.
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    Mediation and Conflict Resolution

    Lawyers integrate peacebuilding into their work by facilitating conflict resolution and mediation. Whether in social justice cases or broader contexts, they guide conflicting parties toward common ground through legal negotiation and dialogue. Their legal expertise enhances their diplomacy skills, helping them remain impartial when conducting their work.
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    Policy and Legislative Work

    Legal professionals shape the policies that prevent conflict and promote justice at national and international levels. Through their legislative work, lawyers have made valuable contributions to laws centered on environmental justice, indigenous rights and cybersecurity, each guarding against escalation in conflict. For example, legislators have helped create policies protecting Indigenous land rights, reducing territorial disputes and promoting social harmony.

    The unique and necessary intersection of law and policymaking builds lasting stability. By influencing legislation, lawyers help create legal systems that benefit the people and provide them with the civil liberty of peace.

The Growing Demand for Legal Experts in Peacebuilding

Some traditional legal education, while thorough, lacks training in mediation, negotiation and peacebuilding. As global conflicts and political instability rise, the need for legal professionals with these specialized skills grows more pressing.

Governments and international organizations increasingly recognize the importance of lawyers who are experts in law and proficient in alternative dispute resolution and peacebuilding strategies. As a result, there has been a notable surge in the establishment of law firms specializing in human rights.

Careers in Law and Peace

Legal professionals can use their expertise to create meaningful change by integrating law with peacebuilding strategies. Numerous career paths exist where law and justice intersect to drive lasting change.

 

Human Rights Attorney

Human rights attorneys defend fundamental freedoms and protect vulnerable populations. They work with NGOs, government agencies and domestic and international courts to represent refugees, victims of war crimes and survivors of human trafficking. 

➤  Example: Prosecuting crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court

Conflict Resolution Specialist

Conflict resolution specialists mediate disputes in legal, corporate and international settings. They advise governments, businesses and organizations on developing negotiation strategies to de-escalate conflicts and foster dialogues between opposing parties. 

➤  Example: Helping communities resolve land disputes through legal arbitration

International Law Consultant

International law consultants advise international organizations on the legal aspects of peace treaties, human rights and war crimes. They assist global organizations in drafting legal frameworks for post-conflict reconstruction that protect human rights. By providing legal analysis on issues like economic sanctions, war tribunals and international trade policies, international law consultants  work to promote long-term peace.

➤  Example: Working on UN-backed treaties to prevent child soldier recruitment

Policy Advisor

Policy advisors craft legislation that protects human rights, prevents conflict and promotes justice. They work with government agencies and advocacy groups to research and draft legal policies on immigration, cyber law and national security. 

➤  Example: Working with the U.S. Department of State to draft conflict-prevention policies

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Employment Sectors Seeking Law and Peace Experts

Lawyers with expertise in law and peace are sought after in a range of influential industries:

  • Government and Public Sector roles include organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the United Nations, international courts, and foreign embassies.
  • Opportunities exist in the nonprofit and NGO sectors with organizations such as Amnesty International, the International Rescue Committee, and Human Rights Watch.
  • Corporate and private sectors offer positions with law firms focusing on global humanitarian initiatives, corporate social responsibility programs, and conflict mediation services.
  • Academia and research institutions provide opportunities for teaching law and peace studies and conducting legal research on conflict resolution.

CAN YOU MAKE PEACE AND JUSTICE YOUR FULL-TIME JOB WITHOUT A LAW DEGREE?

A law degree is not the only path to a career in peace and justice. Many professionals create sustainable change through roles in government, international organizations, corporate social responsibility and policy advocacy.

If you are interested in becoming a peacebuilder, consider creating sustainable change at organizations like the following:

  • United Nations (UN)
  • International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the International Crisis Group
  • Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch
  • Multinational corporations like Google’s Jigsaw
  • Government agencies

Learn more about how you can make peace and justice your full-time job.

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Programs that Equip Change Through Peace and Law

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego is a global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. Our mission is clear:

To equip and empower changemakers to shape peaceful and just societies through transformational learning and knowledge generation that drives change.

With a focus on interdisciplinary training, real-world application and the development of compassionate leadership, we prepare students to tackle global and local challenges. 

Our graduate programs in peace, justice and law foster academic excellence, compassion and innovation. Students with a common vision of creating positive change bring these programs to life, each uniquely reflecting Kroc School’s commitment to transformative learning and real-world impact.

Two people sit at a desk reviewing a document; one person points at the paper with a pen. Symbols of law—a gavel and scales of justice—rest on the table, highlighting their commitment to fairness and due process.

Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) Dual Degree

The Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) dual degree program is the only of its kind in the country, innovating in its approach to legal education. Unlike traditional legal training, it combines the MA in Peace and Justice to bridge peacebuilding and human rights advocacy with legal training. 

The JD/MAPJ dual degree is designed as a four-year program and is ideal for those who aspire to create meaningful change through both legal avenues and peacebuilding practices. Individuals with a passion for addressing global and local conflicts, promoting human rights and working toward sustainable peace will be fueled with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their ambitions. 

Students in this program gain critical skills in legal analysis, negotiation and conflict resolution and will have opportunities to participate in experiential learning and transformative internships. The cost of the JD/MAPJ program tuition is competitive, totaling $38,880, and over 80 percent of students receive financial assistance or scholarships to support their educational journey.

Admission requirements include:

  • Undergraduate degree transcripts
  • Average GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • 4 short essays

Real-World Application

Blake Harper is a former securities and antitrust class action litigator who transitioned into peacebuilding after retiring from a 35-year legal career. In 2016, he enrolled in the Kroc School of Peace Studies, where he took courses in conflict analysis, human rights and transitional justice, alongside field courses in Rwanda, Mexico and Colombia. Since graduating in 2018, Blake has worked with migrants and deported veterans at the U.S.-Mexico border, representing asylum seekers from countries like Mexico, Honduras, the Congo and El Salvador. His legal and peacebuilding training has been invaluable in assisting clients fleeing violence, helping them navigate the asylum process and secure refuge.

JD | MAPJ ’18

Blake Harper

“This is the best reason why one becomes a lawyer — to serve others. But alongside legal training, the Kroc School can offer you experience to put you on a less traditional but personally rewarding professional track.”

Blake Harper

Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ)

The Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) program at the Kroc School of Peace Studies is designed for individuals passionate about addressing conflict, inequality and human rights issues. The degree offers a comprehensive education that was ranked #3 in 2023 for Best Value Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution master’s degree. The program, which is typically completed in 2 years, offers an accelerated format for those looking to finish their degrees in 12 months. Students have the option to participate in flexible full-time and part-time formats, with opportunities for field-based learning and internships tailored to their interests.

Students can expect to develop skills in conflict analysis, advocacy, negotiation, leadership and ethical reasoning. Ultimately, they will be equipped to promote peace and justice in global and local contexts.

Tuition for the MAPJ program totals $54,544, and more than 80 percent of students receive financial assistance and scholarships to support their education.

Admission requirements include:

  • Undergraduate degree transcript
  • 4 short essays
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
Headshot of Mathieu Bere in front of Kroc Image

Real-World Application: Alum Profile

Mathieu Bere is a peacebuilder and conflict resolution expert with deep experience in governance, human rights and countering violent extremism. After earning his master’s from the Kroc School, he returned home to work as a consultant for civil society organizations before joining USAID as a project development specialist. There, he collaborated with grassroots organizations, government officials and international actors to address insecurity in the Sahara-Sahel region. He later earned his PhD and now serves as a Conflict Monitoring and Analysis Specialist at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, where he focuses on research and training future peacebuilders.

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Cost:
$7,200

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Required Courses:
Conflict analysis & resolution; Mediation

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Stackable:
Begin with the certificate and transfer credits into the Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution (MSCMR) program

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Modality:
Hybrid and in-person (optional courses vary in modality but include online formats)

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Optional electives:
Intervention design; Program design, monitoring, & evaluation; Negotiations; Facilitation & dialogue; Organizational conflict

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Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.00 scale; official transcripts are required. Candidates with a GPA under 3.00 will be asked to provide an explanation in an essay
  • Online application, including a short essay and a professional resume
  • Letter of Recommendation

“The Kroc school gave me theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyze, understand, and explore options for dealing with violent conflicts that oppose groups or nations. More specifically, I learned to view and understand conflicts from a broader, interdisciplinary perspective, taking into account human rights, economic development, political and religious aspects involved in such conflicts. And, at the practical level, I acquired basic project management skills that I sharpened when I went to the field working with USAID on democracy, governance, and counter-terrorism projects in West Africa.”

Mathieu Bere | MA in Peace and Justice ‘15

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Certificate in Mediation & Conflict Resolution

The Kroc School's Certificate in Mediation & Conflict Resolution provides students with the tools to effectively navigate and resolve conflicts across various settings, from legal to organizational to interpersonal. The certificate is offered in a flexible format and is available in both full-time and part-time options. It allows the transfer of credits into the Master’s in Conflict Management and Resolution (MSCMR) program.

Through this program, students learn key skills in:

  • Conflict assessment
  • Facilitation and dialogue
  • Intervention design
  • Mediation

The program is available in hybrid and in-person modalities, requiring intensive week-long residencies in San Diego or Madrid. Financial assistance and scholarships are available, and the program’s total cost is $7,200.

Certificate in Medication & Conflict Resolution Graduate

Zahra Hasanove

"Studying at Kroc School was an unforgettable memory for me. What I learned and experienced during the training will always be with me throughout my career."
Zahra Hasanove

From Learning to Leading: Your Path to Impact Begins at Kroc

Law is not designed to punish but to uphold justice, foster reconciliation and prevent conflict from escalating. You can practice law and, in turn, promote peace and facilitate sustainable civil development. 

“Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.”

Blake Harper | MA in Peace and Justice ‘18

With over 500 Kroc School alumni making a global impact, you can be a catalyst for change, too. Join a community of dedicated individuals who drive innovation and champion peace.