The article discusses how civil human rights lawsuits can be used to promote social change. It looks at the impact of these lawsuits on individuals, communities, and the broader human rights movement. The researchers found that these lawsuits have had significant effects on the parties involved and their communities, particularly in terms of corrective justice. However, the broader impact on deterring perpetrators and reforming state treatment of citizens is harder to measure. The article suggests that while these lawsuits are important, they should not be the only focus of human rights advocacy, as other forms of advocacy are also necessary for lasting social change.