Publisher's Synopsis
Transnational crime and crimes that threaten the international order, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and terrorism, have led states to devise a body of rules to combat and punish crime with an international element. This branch of law, known as international criminal law, is a blend of domestic and international law and is enforced by national courts and international tribunals. The essays in this collection examine the history and nature of international criminal law, the circumstances in which national courts will exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed abroad, extradition and the problem posed by the political offender, crimes against the international order and the creation of tribunals, such as that for the former Yugoslavia, to try offenders against the law of nations, the issue of justice in transitional societies and the need to balance strict law enforcement with respect for human rights. Together these essays present a comprehensive picture of the measures taken by states to combat crime by means of international co-operation.
