UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION AND THE CRIME OF AGGRESSION
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to study overall picture of the concept of exercising universal jurisdiction over universal crimes, to study legal basis for exercising universal jurisdiction over the universal crimes by international tribunals and national courts and to propose guidelines for exercising universal jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. The study’s findings are shown as followed:
1) The concept of universal jurisdiction exercised by international courts and national courts do stem from the trial of Nuremberg Military Court, the trial of Tokyo Military Court, the Eichmann case by Israel’s domestic court and the Arrest Warrant case by the ICJ (the International Court of Justice). These cases have become a significant basis for International Courts and Domestic Courts in terms of exercising universal jurisdiction over the crime of aggression for the present time.
2) The concept and evolution of universal jurisdiction exercised by international courts and national court based on customary international law, international treaty and domestic law relied clearly on different principles, rationales and practices.
3) The exercise of universal jurisdiction over the crime of aggression by international and national courts is considered as an important legal mechanism not to let any individuals who commit the crimes of aggression go unpunished. However, the possibility of success is very slim if comparing to the exercise of universal jurisdiction over other serious international crimes.
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