ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the history of the US approach to international standards, particularly in regard to human rights, and notes the important role the United States has played in the development of international human rights treaties and institutions. It shows that the United States has been, nonetheless, extraordinarily reluctant to submit itself to legal obligations under those treaties, related standards, and institutions. The chapter concludes that the United States has a legal tradition of protecting human rights, but the United States has more steps to take in bringing its human rights ideals into law and practice. US judges have, with a few exceptions, generally exhibited great reticence in making use of international standards in their decisions and have even appeared ignorant as to the application of international law. The economic and political influence of the United States has inspired other governments and peoples to emulate its democracy, its economic system, and its methods for protecting human rights.
