Sources of Int Criminal Law Flashcards
Where can sources of PIL be found?
Art 38 of ICJ Statute
What is ICL a combination of?
1) International law;
2) Criminal Law
What are the main criminal law principles? (Degan)
1) Nullum crimen sine lege scripta
2) Nullum crimen sine lege certa
3) Nullum crimen sine lege previa
4) Nulla poena sine lege
Can criminal law principles transfer to customary law principles?
- Difference in opinions
- General view is yes, CL norms and principles can be sources of IL.
What is general order to approach sources of ICL? (Degan)
1) General principles of ICL
2) Treaties
3) Custom
4) Judicial practice and doctrine
Nullum crimen sine lege scripta:
Basis of criminal charge should be in written form
Nullum crimen sine lege certa
Elements of crimes must be precisely defined by a rule. - No resort to analogy.
Nullum poena sine lege
Penalties for specific crimes should be provided for by a rule in advance
Nullum crimen sine lege
Penalties should be provided by rule in advance.
How did ICTY approach general principles in Kupreskic?
ICTY can derive general principles under ICL from:
1) General principles of criminal law common to major legal systems of the world or
2) General principles of law consonant with the basis requirements of international justice.
How does ICC differ from approach of ICTY in Kupreskic?
Can’t derive general principles by comparative analysis.
Restricted to Rome State, the Elements of Crimes and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
What did ICTY find with regard to general principles in Erdemovic?
No general principle permitting duress as defence.
How did ICTY’s approach in Erdemovic differ from ICC?
ICC would have exonerated him through defence of duress (Art 25(3)(a) and Art 31(1)(d) Rome State.
How does ICC differ from ICTY in terms of co-perpetration?
ICTY: Can indict group of persons for JCE. Bases prosecution on presumed act of co-perpetration in a crime (no requirement to prove acts refs and mens really of each individual).
ICC: Art 25(3)(d) Rome State actually requires contribution for criminal liability.
Can individual be held liable for omission under Rome Statute?
No responsibility for omission.
Exception: Art 28
Rationale: Member states of UNSC and commanders of peace keeping troops didn’t want to risk being held accountable for failing to prevent the commission of international crimes.