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International Criminal Court
The Twentieth Century was the bloodiest in recorded history; 174 million people were killed in genocides and mass murders. Too often the victims' cries for justice went unanswered by an indifferent world.
In 1998, the nations of the world agreed to create the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold accountable and bring to justice individuals responsible for mass murder, genocide, and war crimes when countries cannot or will not prosecute the crimes themselves.
On February 23, 2002 NACDL passed a resolution supporting formation of the ICC, and participation of the United States in its formation and function.
More information about the ICC and on how you can make a difference is available on the following websites:
The United Nations' official ICC site: Contains the text of the treaty, subsidiary documents and other reference resources.
International NGO Coalition for the ICC: Website of the international coalition with documents on the Court, a press room, fact sheets, and the latest updates on ratifications.
USAforICC.org: Fact sheets, action kits and alerts on the United States and the ICC.
Washington Working Group on the ICC: Fact sheets and updates on action on the ICC inside the beltway.
News & Updates on the ICC
President Tries to Moot Texas Death Row Case; Withdraws from Treaty Provision--April 7, 2005--One of the Term’s most interesting cases, with implications for 51 Mexican nationals on Texas’ death row, took a strange turn when the United States filed an amicus curiae brief in support of the state of Texas and then tried to keep the case from being decided in the state’s favor.
Medellin v. Dretke, Amici Curiae brief, USSupCt, No. 04-5928. Death penalty; denial of alien's rights under Vienna Convention
If you think you might want to practice before the International Criminal Court (ICC), an Introductory Course is being held in the Hague, co-sponsored by NACDL, July 5-6, 2003. more...
The Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI), a public service project of the American Bar Association, is currently seeking experienced attorneys for the following positions. Click here for more.
The Defence Office at the Special Court for Sierra Leone -- the international tribunal with jurisdiction over those bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leone law since November 30, 1996 - is seeking NACDL's assistance in recruiting qualified counsel to represent indigent accused and suspects before the Special Court. Click here for more information.
News from the Monteal Conference on formation of the International Criminal Bar -- June 2002 -- NACDL Past President Nancy Hollander of Albuquerque, N.M., addressing the conference, explained, "Individuals on trial for war crimes 'will be people who will be hated, and the lawyers who represent them will be hated,' Hollander warned. 'But let it never be said that an accused appeared before the International Criminal Court without a lawyer by his or her side.'"
For International Criminal Court, U.S. criminal defense bar wants fairness, even if United States is not a party -- June 21, 2002 -- Washington, D.C.--Leaders from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers are fighting to make sure defendants in the new International Criminal Court will be treated fairly, no matter what countries are involved.
Withdrawal of ICC signature ends partnerships, chance to influence fairness of international court -- May 7, 2002 -- Washington, D.C.--Leaving aside criticisms regarding international cooperation, the Bush administration Monday formally renounced its obligations as a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute to establish an International Criminal Court (ICC). This announcement yesterday to "unsign" the treaty and withdraw the US participation in the ICC cripples the ability of the United States to participate in the development of the Court, says Nancy Hollander, past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
International Criminal Court Receives Support of NACDL Board of Directors -- February 23, 2002 -- Washington, D.C.--The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers unanimously passed a resolution on February 23, 2002, calling on the United States to ratify and participate in the Rome Statute which establishes the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court will prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. NACDL's primary concern is to ensure that defendants before the ICC will be represented by qualified and adequately funded counsel.
Ensuring Defence Independence at the ICC
The Evil Who Live Among Us (The Recorder - April 12, 2002)
Trying Cases And Testing Courts: Building The International Rule of Law (Editorial) |