Abstract
Editorial 17(4)
In this issue Natalie Alkiviadou assesses the impact of the 2000 equality directives, designed to address racial discrimination and equal treatment in the workplace, in Greece, where they were transposed into the domestic law by Law 3304/2005. The significance of the new law in protecting the principle of equal treatment is acknowledged, especially given the gaps in the preceding law and lack of a legal infrastructure to promote equal treatment. The Greek Constitution contained a general principle of non-discrimination, but it was difficult to derive specific rights from it in practice. However, Alkiviadou argues the new law is not as effective as it might be in relation to prevention, protection, sanctions or redress. Because the law is not used enough, there is no emerging corpus of case law. The reasons for the under-use of the courts by victims to deal with discrimination include concerns over the costs of legal advice, but also, in some cases, a lack of awareness of their rights. When discrimination issues are considered, the judiciary do not use sufficiently this opportunity to specifically refer to the 2005 law or to elaborate on it. So the pace of enforcement has been slow. There also problems in using non-judicial routes, as the relevant equality bodies have limited powers to give redress to complainants. This failure to realise their potential is partly attributed to their lack of resources. The lack of protection to non-Greek citizens is highlighted in her discussion of these issues.
Carol Daugherty Rasnic reviews Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s first book since she was appointed to the United States Supreme Court in 1993 and focuses particularly on Ginsburg’s interest in women’s rights and the advancement of opportunities for women. Specific issues and judgements, including those on abortion rights, are considered, as well as the impact of Ginsburg’s own experience on the shaping of her legal philosophy.