Two Ways of Policing Cultural Heritage

Proceedings of the International Conference on "Protecting Cultural Heritage as a Common Good of Humanity: A Challange for Criminal Justice", 13-15 December 2013

Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy, edited by Stefano Manacorda, Arianna Visconti, Ed. ISPAC 2014

16 Pages Posted: 11 Dec 2014

See all articles by Derek Fincham

Derek Fincham

South Texas College of Law Houston

Date Written: December 10, 2013

Abstract

The title of this paper is, of course, a play upon the title of Professor John Henry Merryman’s well-known essay which laid out the ways of conceptualizing cultural property law there are two ways to think about cultural objects. One as part of a national patrimony, and second as a piece of our collective cultural heritage. In a similar way there are two ways to envision jurisdiction of cultural heritage crime. Criminal law can of course apply to policing the individuals responsible for stealing, looting, selling and transporting illicit art and antiquities. Or, law enforcement resources can be used to secure the successful return of stolen art, and the protection of sites. The criminal law can regulate people; and it can also regulate things. In order to produce meaningful change in the disposition of art, it must do both effectively. Focusing on art at the expense of criminal deterrence for individuals is an incomplete strategy.

Keywords: cultural heritage, art crime, antiquities looting, international criminal law,

Suggested Citation

Fincham, Derek, Two Ways of Policing Cultural Heritage (December 10, 2013). Proceedings of the International Conference on "Protecting Cultural Heritage as a Common Good of Humanity: A Challange for Criminal Justice", 13-15 December 2013, Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy, edited by Stefano Manacorda, Arianna Visconti, Ed. ISPAC 2014 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2536542

Derek Fincham (Contact Author)

South Texas College of Law Houston ( email )

1303 San Jacinto Street
Houston, TX 77002
United States
9546678328 (Phone)

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