Handbook

This course considers contemporary legal issues in international criminal law. It places international criminal law in the broader context of state sovereignty, international peace and security, post-conflict reconciliation and the rule of law. It examines the role of international criminal law within public international law generally, and its relationship with other areas of law, such as state responsibility, human rights, international humanitarian law, national criminal law and international refugee law. It will examine the distinction between state and individual responsibility, consider the development of international criminal law and its institutions and outline the main principles and rules of international criminal law, both substantive and procedural. In particular, the course will examine the substantive legal framework to ensure accountability for acts of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international law.

Main Topics

• Historical roots of International Criminal Law;
• The development and operation of the Nuremberg Tribunal, the ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court;
• Particular international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, aggression), modes of participation in the commission of such crimes, and defences;
• International Criminal Law Practice and Procedure;
• The application of International Criminal Law in domestic criminal courts; and
• Future directions of the development and application of International Criminal Law.