The Uncertain Promise of Law

Book excerpt: In December 1984, a massive explosion and discharge of poisonous gas from Union Carbide's pesticide factory in Bhopal, India, killed over 2,500 people. Hundreds more have since died and many thousands were injured. Cassels (law, U. of Victoria, B.C.) traces the origins of the Bhopal tragedy and examines the legal aftermath and global implications. Cassels concludes, with the Supreme Court of India, that in a time of exploding technology, we cannot be satisfied entirely with the "uncertain promises of law." Cassels suggests a number of fundamental reforms that must be forged if future Bhopals are to be prevented. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR