Museums Faulted on Restitution of Nazi-Looted Art

Despite the fact that the United States and 44 other nations signed a pledge in 1998 to return Nazi art to rightful heirs, some museums are backtracking on that pledge, according to the New York Times. In some cases, museums argue that the statute of limitations has passed.  In other cases, museums try to beat claimants to the courthouse and try to get themselves declared as the rightful owner.

"At stake," notes the New York Times, "in this emotional debate are the fate of valuable works of art, the reputations of elite cultural institutions and the legal issue of whether the American judicial system is capable of addressing restitution claims."

The Times story also includes a short video that offers some good background.