The aim of this book is to assess recent developments in international law seeking to bring an end to impunity by bringing to justice those accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The book was originally conceived while the editors were engaged, in different capacities, in proceedings relating to the detention of Senator Pinochet in London. The vigorous public debate that attended that case - and related developments in international criminal justice, such as the creation of the International Criminal Court and the trial of former President Milosevic - demonstrate the close connections between the law and wider political or moral questions. In the field of international criminal justice there appeared, therefore, a clear need to distinguish legal from essentially political issues - promoting the application of the law in an impartial and apolitical manner - while at the same time enabling each to legitimately inform the development of the other.
The essays in this volume, written by internationally recognised legal experts: scholars, practitioners, judges - explore a wide range of subjects, including immunities, justice in international and mixed courts, justice in national courts, and in a particularly practical section, perspectives offered by experienced practitioners in the field. "This is a welcome collection of papers on criminal justice both at the international and the national level...a book which fills many gaps and adds considerable value by discussing wider policy and moral issues; it is to be recommended to all who are interested in the development of international criminal justice." Elizabeth Wilmshurst, International Affairs