International Criminal Court
May 1, 2024
4 minute read
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that investigates and prosecutes individuals for international crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and is independent of any national judicial system.
The History of the ICC
The idea of an international court to prosecute individuals for international crimes dates back to the aftermath of World War II. In 1945, the United Nations Charter established the Nuremberg Tribunal to prosecute Nazi war criminals. The Nuremberg Tribunal was followed by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, which prosecuted Japanese war criminals.
In the 1990s, the United Nations Security Council established two ad hoc tribunals to prosecute individuals for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. These tribunals were successful in prosecuting a number of high-level war criminals, but they were also criticized for being slow and expensive.
In 1998, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. The Rome Statute was ratified by 120 countries, and the ICC became operational in 2002.
The Jurisdiction of the ICC
The ICC has jurisdiction over individuals who have committed genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC can only prosecute individuals if their own country is unable or unwilling to do so.
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Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
International Criminal Court.
This comprehensive guide to the International Criminal Court provides a detailed overview of its history, structure, and functioning. Written by an expert in the field, this book offers valuable insights into the ICC's role in international justice.
Offers a critical analysis of the ICC's achievements and challenges. Written by a leading scholar in the field, it provides valuable insights into the ICC's impact on international justice and its potential for future development.
This practical guide provides detailed guidance on the prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC. Written by experts in international criminal law, this book offers valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike.
This critical account of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia provides a deep analysis of its successes and failures. Written by a former prosecutor at the tribunal, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges of prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Examines the role of the ICC in addressing mass atrocities and the criticisms it has faced. Written by a leading scholar in the field, it provides a balanced and thought-provoking analysis of the ICC's impact on international justice.
This comprehensive guide to the Tokyo War Crimes Trial provides an invaluable resource for researchers interested in the history and legacy of international criminal justice. Written by a leading historian, this book offers detailed analysis and documentation.
Examines the crime of aggression and the ICC's jurisdiction over it. Written by an expert in international criminal law, it offers a valuable contribution to understanding the challenges and opportunities in prosecuting this most serious crime.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/npj68y/international