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Jurisdiction, Definition Of Crimes, And Triggering Mechanisms, Christopher L. Blakesley
Jurisdiction, Definition Of Crimes, And Triggering Mechanisms, Christopher L. Blakesley
Scholarly Works
The opportunity to create an international court that provides fair, equitable, and efficient justice is rare and important. It requires expertise in comparative and international law. Problems are serious, however. Failure to address the formidable problems could cause the Court to run a risk of failure that could be disastrous for international law, for the victims of the horrors that have occurred and that will occur, and for the world. Failure could come in at least two forms: (1) the Court could merely be a conduit for retribution after a pro-forma kangaroo court or (2) it will not have sufficient …
Obstacles To The Creation Of A Permanent War Crimes Tribunal, Christopher L. Blakesley
Obstacles To The Creation Of A Permanent War Crimes Tribunal, Christopher L. Blakesley
Scholarly Works
Individual liability for war crimes is difficult to enforce and is unlikely to be accepted uniformly by states.
Individual criminal responsibility is the cornerstone of any international war crimes tribunal. Nuremberg Principle I provides that “[a]ny person who commits an act which constitutes a crime under international law is responsible therefor and liable to punishment.” Acts by heads of state or other government officials, even if committed in an official capacity, may not constitute an immunity defense to or mitigate criminality. These officials, therefore, could also be held responsible for offenses committed pursuant to their orders. Additionally, liability for criminal …