White man's justice? Sierra Leone and the expanding project of international law. -- The story of the CDF trial; 3. An unconventional army: chains of command in a patrimonial society. -- Facts, metaphysics and mysticism: magical powers and the law. -- We cannot accept any cultural consideration the child soldiers charge. -- 'He's not very forthright' finding the facts in a culture of secrecy. -- issues in the RUF, AFRC, and Charles Taylor trials. -- Conclusion: from legal imperialism to dialogics.