Immunity and International Criminal Law

Two events occurred in 1998 that had far-reaching consequences for international justice: the adoption of the Statute for the International Criminal Court by the Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Rome (the Rome Statute); and the arrest in London of former President Pinochet for crimes against humanity. These events are, for many, the culmination of attempts to seek legal redress against those who commit international crimes. This stimulating, ground-breaking book debates the issues raised by international crimes. It highlights the two competing international law needs that must be addressed in this situation: the pursuit of international justice (which international criminal law purports to uphold), and the maintenance of international peace and security - an important rationale for the immunities of state officials abroad.