🧪 Introduction

International Criminal Law can be defined in both broader and narrower terms. In this document, we explore its essential components and structure.

🔗 Broad Definition

International Criminal Law encompasses three main components:

1. Application of National Criminal Provisions

• Establishes principles for the validity of national criminal law.

2. Criminal Law as a General Concept

• Divided into two types: a. International Criminal Law applied before the ICC and certain ad hoc forms of international criminal justice:
• Material International Criminal Law: Concerns general criminal law institutes.
• International Criminal Procedural Law: Pertains to rules governing procedures before the ICC and other international courts. b. Part of National Criminal Legislation:
• National Material Criminal Law: Contains international criminal law components, primarily protecting values upheld by international law.
• National Criminal Procedural Law: Involves international law components in both narrow and broad senses.

3. International Criminal Legal Assistance.

🔗 Narrow Definition

In a narrower sense, it contains two main components: I. Material International Criminal Law (with general and special parts) II. International Criminal Procedural Law, viewed in both narrow and broad senses:

• Narrow Sense: Procedural law applied in ICC procedures and ad hoc forms.
• Broad Sense: Encompasses all significant procedural norms:
  1. Norms in narrow procedural law.
  2. Norms regulating national criminal systems.
  3. Norms for international legal assistance.
  4. Norms relating to the protection of human rights.

Key Takeaways:

• International Criminal Law is multi-faceted, combining national and international elements.
• It is crucial to understand both procedural and material aspects for effective application.
• The interplay between national and international laws shapes the enforcement of justice globally.