The Prosecution of International Crimes: A Practical Guide to Prosecuting ICC Crimes in Commonwealth States

With the coming into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court a new era of international criminal justice has begun. For the first time, the World has seen the establishment of a permanent international court with jurisdiction to try individuals for the most serious crimes--genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
To respond to the challenges the court presents, domestic authorities will need practical, focused information about the ICC, the relevant principles of international law, and the new laws adopted in each state. This guide is intended to deliver that information in a practical and usable format for practitioners--police, prosecutors, defense, and judicial authorities--within Commonwealth States.
The guide takes the reader through the structure of the ICC, issues relating to jurisdiction, an outline of the crimes, a description of the cooperation regime, and general principles of international humanitarian law. It is followed by a series of appendices specific to national legislation that has been adopted to date. Finally, relevant documents such as the Rome Statute, the Elements of Crime, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and the Regulations of the Court are appended.

Cliff Hague is Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP). He is Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and a member of the Academy of Social Sciences. He is a Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, UK and of CAP.