"International Criminal Law is not just a set of rules," Thorne said, closing his notebook. "It is a promise made by the living to the dead: that there are lines a human being cannot cross without the world coming to collect the debt." To help you dive deeper into this topic,
The classroom at the Hague Academy of International Law was silent, save for the distant chime of the Peace Palace clock. Professor Elias Thorne stood before a whiteboard where three words were written in bold, black ink: An Introduction to International Criminal Law a...
Following WWII, the Allies established a tribunal to try Nazi leaders. This was the first time "individual criminal responsibility" was enforced on a global scale. It established that "just following orders" is not a valid defense for atrocities. "International Criminal Law is not just a set
Widespread or systematic attacks directed against any civilian population. Unlike genocide, these do not require the intent to destroy a specific group; they include murder, torture, and enslavement. This was the first time "individual criminal responsibility"
It only steps in if a country is (due to a collapsed legal system) or unwilling (due to political shielding) to prosecute.