International court based in The Hague, with jurisdiction to try states and individuals for the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes committed on or after 1 July 2002.

The court’s jurisdiction derives from the Rome Statute (Done at Rome on 17 July 1998, in force on 1 July 2002, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2187, No. 38544, D)

The Statute sets out the Court’s jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and – as of an amendment in 2010 – the crime of aggression. In addition to jurisdiction, it also addresses issues such as admissibility and applicable law, the composition and administration of the Court, investigations and prosecution, trials, penalties, appeal and revision, international cooperation and judicial assistance, and enforcement. (Source: ICC website.)

The Rome Statute is given effect in domestic law by the International Criminal Court Act 2001 which also provides for offences under the law of England and Wales and Northern Ireland corresponding to offences within the jurisdiction of that Court. Schedule 8 to the Act sets out definitions in article 6 to 8 the Rome Statute of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. A separate statute, the International Criminal Court (Scotland) Act 2001, contains corresponding legislation in relation to Scotland.

NB. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is not to be confused with

• the International Chamber of Commerce (also abbreviated to ICC), or
• the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also based in The Hague.