International Crime

International Courts

The United Nations has established two important courts for the purpose of dealing with international issues. Both courts are located in the Netherlands at The Hague.

The International Court of Justice

Also known as the IJC, this court was formed in 1945. The purpose of the IJC is "to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies."

The court is designated to settle disputes of international law and to give advice on legal questions. They perform two distinct duties to this end.

Contentious Cases

Any legal issue or quarrel that occurs between two separate nations may be brought to the IJC. The 15 judges who make up the court will debate the issue, weigh the evidence and come to a final decision. Once the decision has been rendered, both nations are expected to adhere to the outcome.

Advisory Proceedings

The IJC also reviews legal issues that are brought forth by agencies that are authorized and sponsored by the United Nations. The court will give their opinions and advice on how the matter should be settled. Since the decision is advisory, the final result is not binding.

The International Criminal Court

Also known as the ICC, this court was formed in 1998 and officially came into power in 2002. At its inception, 60 nations came together and agreed to acknowledge the ICC's authority to try international cases. Currently, more than 100 nations are in agreeance with the authority of the court.

The purpose of the ICC is to try individuals or groups that are accused of international crimes. These crimes are most often noted as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court will only accept cases that are of the most serious nature, such as genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid.

While the court has worldwide jurisdiction, there are three requirements that must be met in order for them to accept any case.

1. The accused must be a citizen of a nation or member of a state party that recognizes the authority of the ICC.

2. Any crime committed must have occurred within the confines of a nation that accepts the court's power of jurisdiction.

3. The case must have been referred to the Prosecutor of the ICC by a member of the United Nations Security Council.

The ability of these courts to successfully try and decide cases depends on the continued cooperation of nations to work together. The United Nations holds a major part in the ongoing existence of these courts and the collaboration of nations all over the world.