The International Criminal Court

The Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2002. The court can prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression under defined conditions.

The ICC complements national courts rather than replacing them, and its jurisdiction depends on legal rules, state membership, referrals, and practical access. It has faced criticism over selectivity, enforcement, and political pressure.

Without a permanent court, ad hoc tribunals and national proceedings could still pursue some cases, but investigations might be less consistent. The existence of the ICC does not mean dictators or commanders face certain prosecution or absolute impunity otherwise.

International justice requires both legal authority and cooperation to enforce it. Fairness depends on consistency, independence, due process, and the willingness to scrutinize powerful as well as weak actors.

Fairness depends on consistency, independence, due process, and the willingness to scrutinize powerful as well as weak actors.

When I demand justice for grave harm, what consistency and due process would I insist on even for people I condemn?