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Explore the development of international norms and institutions related to universal jurisdiction and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Learn about the Nuremberg Trials, crimes against humanity, war crimes, the Genocide Convention, the Geneva Conventions, and the role of domestic courts in prosecuting universal crimes. Delve into notable cases such as the Pinochet case and the International Crimes Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Discover the significance of the International Criminal Court and its ongoing relevance.
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The Evolution of International Norms and Institutions • Nuremberg Trials: • Crimes against humanity: crimes committed against civilian (murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, etc.) • War crimes: violations of the laws or customs of war (murder or ill treatment of civilians, prisoners of war, hostages…wanton destruction of cities, towns or villages, or devastation not justified by military necessity) • Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) • Genocide: acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethical, racial or religious group • Geneva Conventions (1949) • Protect civilians, non-military staff, wounded, prisoners of war
Universal Jurisdiction and Domestic Courts • Countries adopt laws that allow prosecution in their courts citizens of other countries for universal crimes (Note: the principal is different from the New York District Court case of the Ogoni people against Shell)
Universal Jurisdiction: the Pinochet Case • Augusto Pinochet In power 1973-1990 • 1998: Spanish judge issues a warrant for his arrest in UK and deportation to Spain. • UK sends Pinochet to Chile • Chile opens a case against him
International Crimes Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) • Established in 1993 with Security Council decision • Prosecutes war crimes committed in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzgovina, Kosovo
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda • Established in 1994 • Arusha, Tanzania • 26 being prosecuted, 17 awaiting trial
The International Criminal Court To Be or Not to Be?