De facto International Prosecutors in a Global Era
With My Own Eyes

This book shines light on the role of 'de facto international prosecutors' as an emerging phenomenon.

Melinda Rankin (Author)

9781108498166, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 August 2022

268 pages
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.53 kg

'Rankin is a skilled storyteller; each case study chapter almost has the bent of a thriller; even if you know what the outcome is, it is still exciting to follow each individual's journey through the justice process, particularly when there are significant twists and turns in their pursuit of justice. 'With My Own Eyes' is a collection of memos to those working in international criminal justice that one person can truly make a difference, and these stories will serve as inspiration for those days when we feel like giving up.' Melanie O'Brien, European Journal of International Law

In the past decades, great strides have been made to ensure that crimes against humanity and state-sponsored organized violence are not committed with impunity. Alongside states, large international organizations such as the United Nations and forums such as the International Criminal Court, 'de facto international prosecutors' have emerged to address these crimes. Acting as investigators and evidence-gathers to identify individuals and officials engaged in serious human rights violations, these 'private' non-state actors, and state legal 'officials' in a foreign court, pursue criminal accountability for those most responsible for core international crimes. They do so when local options to investigate fail and an international criminal tribunal remains unavailable. This study outlines three case studies of witnesses and victims who pursue those most responsible, including former heads of state. It examines their practices and strategies, and shows how witnesses and victims of core crimes emerge as key leaders in the accountability process.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I. Framework I: Conceptualising De facto international prosecutors in a Global Era: 1. Extending the reach of international criminal law (ICL)
Part II. Three biographical case studies: De facto international prosecutors in practice: 2. De facto international prosecutors and prosecuting Pinochet (Chile)
3. De facto international prosecutors and a verdict for Habré (Chad)
4. De facto international prosecutors and the CIJA (Syria)
5. A legal obligation to prosecute: from de facto to de jure international prosecutors? (Germany/Syria)
Part III. Framework II: How De facto international prosecutors conceptualise international criminal law: 6. A basic law for international criminal law?
Conclusion
References
Index.

Subject Areas: United Nations & UN agencies [JPSN1]