Mark Freeman is a lawyer and independent consultant on human rights issues affecting states in democratic and post-conflict transition. In the past year he has conducted missions to South Africa, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya. He recently co-authored International Human Rights Law (2004) and is currently a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa Law Faculty. He has published extensively on a variety of human rights topics in leading law and policy journals. He is former Senior Associate at the International Center for Transitional Justice.

'The text offers a comprehensive overview of the commissions that have taken place thus far; the footnotes are extensive and provide the reader with a treasure trove of information. … The author's depth of knowledge is reflected in the diversity of the issues he highlights including some that might not have occurred to a non-expert … This book will be a useful addition to university libraries and to the collections of those engaged in research relating to transitional justice. It is well-researched, highly readable and contains a vast array of source material.' Australian Yearbook of International Law

• Foreword; Acknowledgments; Preface; Abbreviations; Part I: 1. Truth commissions; 2. Procedural fairness; Part II: 3. Statement-taking; 4. Subpoena power; 5. Search and seizure power; 6. Public hearings; 7. Publication of findings of individual responsibility; Summary of recommendations; Appendices; Index.