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St Pauls Chambers provides legal services throughout the UK and worldwide. We are known for providing excellence in our areas of focus.
As a leading barristers chambers in Leeds, our expertise span the depth and breadth of a number of key areas of law.
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St Pauls Chambers have an excellent team of Barristers, Clerks & Administration, with our barristers including KC’s, Members and Pupils.
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International Criminal Justice Day is observed on July 17th to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). This day is dedicated to promoting international criminal justice, supporting victims of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, and reaffirming the global commitment to fighting impunity for the gravest crimes.
The Rome Statute is a treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was adopted on July 17, 1998, during a diplomatic conference in Rome, Italy, and came into force on July 1, 2002, after being ratified by 60 countries. It serves as the foundational and governing document of the ICC, outlining the court’s functions, jurisdiction, and structure.
Jurisdiction:
The ICC has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The court’s jurisdiction is complementary to national criminal jurisdictions, meaning it can only prosecute cases if national courts are unwilling or unable to do so.
Crimes Defined:
Genocide: Acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Crimes Against Humanity: Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, enslavement, torture, and rape.
War Crimes: Grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, such as intentionally killing civilians, taking hostages, and using prohibited weapons.
Presidency: The President and two Vice-Presidents manage the administration of the court.
Judicial Divisions: Comprising Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeals Divisions.
Office of the Prosecutor: Responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.
Registry: Provides administrative and operational support to the court.
Principles: Complementarity: The ICC acts as a court of last resort.
Individual Criminal Responsibility: Holds individuals accountable for crimes.
Non-retroactivity: Prosecutes only crimes committed after the statute came into force.
Ratification and Amendments: 123 countries are state parties to the Rome Statute as of 2024. Amendments can be proposed and adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly of States Parties.
The ICC ensures accountability for the perpetrators of the most serious offenses, contributing to global peace and security. International Criminal Justice Day serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the rule of law in addressing crimes that affect the international community.
For International Criminal Justice Day on July 17, 2024, several educational events and activities are planned to promote awareness and support for international justice and the ICC:
United Nations Headquarters Event: A key event from 15:00 to 16:30 aims to honor the establishment of the Rome Statute and promote the ICC’s efforts in preventing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression (ICC – International Criminal Court).
Panel Discussions and Workshops: These sessions will focus on themes such as fair trials, the impact of international criminal justice, and the challenges faced by the ICC, featuring legal experts, ICC representatives, and international law scholars (ICC – International Criminal Court) (Assemblies For All).
Educational Campaigns: These will include online seminars, social media engagements, and publications on the significance of the ICC and its role in maintaining global justice.
University and School Programmes: Academic institutions worldwide are organising special programmes and lectures to educate students about the history and importance of international criminal justice.
In July 2023 The University of Leeds held a workshop. The event brought together fifteen scholars and practitioners in the fields of international criminal justice, sociology, international relations and psychology from Europe, North America and Asia, with academics and postgraduate students from within the University and other UK institutions attending in person and many more participating online from around the world.
Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF
For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.
The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30
Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]
