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Appeal

Page history last edited by PBworks 14 years, 7 months ago

APPEAL

 

Questions:

  1. What is it?
  2. How does it work?
  3. How is it distinct from other genres (and meaningful similarities)
  4. Likely features, organization, audience, register, focus, format, etc.
  5. Provide a model or models--and why it is a good model.

 

What is it?

-Free Advice

In its broadest sense an "appeal" is a formal request that a "higher" body -- typically a higher court -- review the action, procedure, or decision of a lower court, administrative agency, or other body. Please note that we (and the media) will be using the term "appeals" colloquially to include several proceedings such as a "Petition for Certiorari" that have other formal legal names.

An appeal normally may be taken by the party who loses or did not get all the relief he, she or it sought. If both parties are dissatisfied, each may appeal part of the decision

 


 

How to write an effective Appeal?

-Amnesty International USA

 

  1. Be factual. Refer to the details of the case as outlined by the Urgent Action or Freedom Writers Bulletin. Human rights are based on international laws, agreements and obligations. Effective letters of appeal are based on these obligations as they pertain to the specific concerns of the case. Appeals should not include political judgments or jargon as they are not effective and can sometimes do harm.
  2. Be brief Stay concise to keep the attention of the reader. Usually one page is enough to convey your message.
  3. Be polite. This rule is essential and invariable. Using offensive language is not effective. Governments do not respond to abusive or condemnatory letters, however well deserved.
  4. Show respect. Assume your reader is open to reason and a respectfully worded appeal. When possible, express respect for a country's constitution and judicial procedures and convey an understanding of any current difficulties. This will demonstrate a balanced understanding on your part which will predispose the reader to be more open to suggestions for human rights improvements.
  5. Be explicit in expressing your concern for the victim. Repeat the victim's name throughout the letter to ensure that the official will recognize the name and remember the letters sent on the victim's behalf.
  6. Write clearly AND in English, unless you are completely fluent in the language of the involved country. The recipient must be able to easily read your letter so if you are not typing it, please make sure that your writing is plain and legible.
  7. Be constructive. Try not to focus solely on what the country is doing wrong, and instead offer ways the country can support international standards of human rights.
  8. Be efficient. Do whatever is necessary to make your letter-writing as quick and easy as possible. For example, create and save a generic form letter for each Urgent Action topic of concern and modify as necessary to address individual cases and topics. See our Sample Letters for ideas on how to do so.
  9. Salutations and Closings. There is no standard international code for addressing authorities. Formalities vary according to different government structures in each country. Urgent Actions and the Freedom Writers Bulletin will include suggested salutations for addressing officials but in general, you may safely use the following salutations:
    • Your Majesty - to Kings, Queens, and other monarchs
    • Your Excellency - to all heads of state, cabinet level ministers, ambassadors and governors
    • Your Honor - for judges and procurators
    • Dear Sir/Madam - for local authorities, prison commanders, police chiefs
    • Dear Admiral, General, Captain, etc - for military officials

    Close your letter formally by using:

    • (Yours) Respectfully,
    • (Yours) Sincerely,
    • Yours truly,
  10. Referring to Amnesty International. Amnesty International's name may be used unless the Urgent Action or Freedom Writers Bulletin specifically instructs otherwise. If you do refer to Amnesty International, it may be useful to include a brief explanation of AI's aims and principles. AI seeks to uphold human rights in a manner of impartiality and independence from any government, political faction, ideology, economic interest or religious belief.

    Also indicate, where appropriate, that AI opposes torture and the imposition of the death penalty and seeks a fair and speedy trial in all cases and without reservation. Letters sent in a private or professional capacity, using titles or professional letterheads, may add to effectiveness by impressing authorities and suggesting that the writer is someone of influence.


 

Appeal examples

1) Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche: Appeal

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