International Criminal Law: Institutions

International criminal law is, as its name suggests, as much criminal law as it is international law. Whilst some concepts and principles have been borrowed from these two disciplines to form the basis of the subject matter of international criminal law, the latter has developed independently as a stand-alone field.

An analysis of the definitions of the crimes, the modes of liability and the defences available to perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, allows for an in-depth examination of the substantive law applicable to the prosecution of such crimes by international criminal courts and tribunals.

Discussion of the relevant case-law highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant Statute provisions and provides a clear account of how substantive law operates in practice. Where tensions exist between the intended meaning of the relevant provisions and their actual use, these will be highlighted and discussed. Moreover, an examination of the principles governing the procedural aspects of international criminal justice provides a holistic overview of the workings of international criminal justice institutions.

This module is essential for aspiring international criminal lawyers wishing to gain the requisite knowledge and expertise in the law and procedures applicable to international criminal justice institutions.