Introduction. I. Introduction to the Standard of the Best Interests of the Child as a Tradition. II. Traditions of the Western Child: The Social and Legal Constructions of Innocence and the Standard of the Best Interests of the Child. III. Genital Impairment of the Girl-Child: Female Genital Mutilation within the Framework of the Best Interests of the Western Child. IV. Non-Interventionism, Parental Rights, and the Best Interests of the Child: Traditions Governing Child Protection Discourse of Ireland. V. Death Row Kids and Philosopher-Kings: The Best Interests Standard and the Constitutionality of the Juvenile Death Penalty in the United States. VI. The Emerging Tradition of the Best Interests of the Child in the European Convention on Human Rights. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.
