Statutory Limitations in International Criminal Law

Does the passage of time prevent the prosecution of international crimes committed in the past? Statutory Limitations in International Criminal Law examines whether and to what extent a rule of customary international law or general principle of law exists which prohibits the application of statutory limitations to international crimes.

The focus is on international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes and torture, committed during World War II, under the former communist regimes in Eastern Europe and under military junta regimes in Latin America. Comprehensive analysis is included of the legislation of 192 UN Member States, the case law of 18 states, various international instruments and the documents and activities of scholars and non-governmental organisations. Those specialising in international criminal law or statutes of limitation and those dealing with the prosecution of international crimes committed in the past will find this a helpful and practical resource.

• Offers, for the first time, an examination of domestic legislation concerning statutory limitations in all existing UN Member States.
• Lists international instruments on statutory limitations and general human rights treaties, thus giving extensive examination on a country’s compliance with international obligations.
• Examines states’ approach towards the prosecution of international crimes committed in the past from both a legal and historical perspective.

1. Introduction; 2. Origin and concept of statutory limitations; 3. Domestic legislation; 4. International Instruments and Documents; 5. Country studies; 6. Arguments pro and contra statutes of limitation; 7. Imprescriptibility and retroactivity; 8. Customary international law and general principles of law; 9. Conclusions.