Demystifying the ICC: Understanding the Procedures, Standards, Processes and Principles Applicable in the ICC.
There are procedures, standards, processes, and principles that are applicable before the International Criminal Court (ICC) that need to be simplified so that they can be understood. The ICC is a very unique institution, and it is very distinct in terms of its operations, from domestic courts, international military tribunals, international criminal tribunals and hybrid international courts. There are distinct ways in which cases are referred to the ICC, as well as methods through which the ICC finds and confirms its jurisdiction over cases. There are also various ways in which suspects are brought before the ICC, and continue to interact with the ICC until their cases are finalized. The ICC also has established processes relating to the engagement and protection of witnesses’ rights, and interests. There are also various standards of proof that are laid down in the ICC, which must be followed and met. This paper seeks to simplify and explain the various processes, procedures, standards and principles applicable before the ICC, so that various stakeholders to the ICC may have a better appreciation.
