The International Criminal Court (ICC)
Background and Establishment
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was adopted on 17 July 1998 by 120 States and entered into force on 1 July 2002, the date the Court became operational.
Jurisdiction and Activities
The ICC has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. It operates as a court of last resort, complementing national justice systems and only intervenes when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute or adjudicate these crimes.
No Immunity
The ICC's jurisdiction extends to individuals, regardless of their official capacity, including heads of state, government members, or parliamentarians. The principle of no immunity reflects the fundamental belief that no one is above the law.
Assembly of States Parties
The Assembly of States Parties (ASP) is the ICC's governing body. It consists of representatives from all States Parties and oversees the Court's budget, policies, and operations.
Composition and Structure
The permanent ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and consists of:
- A Presidency
- A Judicial Division comprised of 18 judges
- An Office of the Prosecutor
- A Registry
Comprehensive Guide
The International Bar Association (IBA) ICC International Criminal Law (ICL) Programme provides a comprehensive guide to the ICC. This resource offers:
- In-depth analysis of the ICC's jurisdiction and procedures
- Practical advice for practitioners engaged in ICC cases
- Up-to-date information on current ICC investigations and prosecutions
Comments