By Benjamin Duerr*
The ICC Dictionary is a guide for everyone interested in the proceedings in The Hague. It contains almost 200 of the most important terms and concepts with short explanations in alphabetical order. Justice Hub is presenting a selection of some of the terms highlighted by the Dictionary.
Tokyo Trials: The Tokyo Trials were conducted by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE) after World War II. The Tribunal opened on 29 April 1946 and prosecuted the leaders of Japan for the war crimes committed. The Tokyo Trials, together with the Nuremberg Trials, are seen as the first international criminal tribunals.
Trial Chamber: The Trial Chambers conduct the trials at the ICC and determine the guilt or innocence of a person. They are composed of three judges and start working after the Pre-Trial Chamber has confirmed the charges and handed over the case. Trial Chambers must always be composed of different judges than the Pre-Trial Chamber.
Trial in absentia: Trial in absentia would mean a trial without the accused being present. While it is possible at other tribunals, the ICC requires the attendance of the accused person in The Hague. The Rome Statute does not allow for trial in absence and interprets the presence not as a duty for the accused but as a right. According to the ICC’s legal foundation, every accused person must have the right to defend himself in the court room.
Trust Fund for Victims: The Trust Fund for Victims is in charge of administrating the money and making payments to victims after a person is convicted. The Trust Fund was established by the member states, which also provide its funding through donations.
The ICC Dictionary by Justice Hub and ICCobserver guides you through the complex world of terms and concepts at the ICC.
Benjamin Duerr is a correspondent and foreign reporter covering the International Criminal Court and the war crimes tribunals in The Hague.
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