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International crimes in United Kingdom and Japanese law and practice.

Arnell, Paul; Kawai, Toshinobu

Authors

Toshinobu Kawai



Abstract

The incorporation and application of international criminal law by states is critical if the gravest acts are to be deterred and punished. International law and institutions cannot alone meet the challenge of addressing these crimes. That the principle of complementarity is central to the operation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) supports this fact. As does customary international law, which permits states to assume universal jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UK and Japan, as relatively powerful states, members of the G7, and parties of to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) can play a meaningful role in ensuring that international criminal law is applied and enforced. They can set an example to other states of the commitment to further global criminal justice. Whilst both countries have in general terms acted in accordance with the aim of pursuing global criminal justice more can, and should, be done. Indeed, as regards the UK Baroness Helena Kennedy in late 2023 has written "…despite its robust judicial system, top-tier law schools, and an abundance of highly skilled legal professionals, the UK has done little in the last decade to deliver meaningful accountability for international crimes in its own courts". This article describes the approaches taken by the UK and Japan to the core international crimes and considers why the law and practice in both countries is not as effective as it should be.

Citation

ARNELL, P. and KAWAI, T. 2023. International crimes in United Kingdom and Japanese law and practice. Nihon University comparative law, 39, pages 89-103. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/39ejnjtp

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 31, 2023
Online Publication Date Apr 1, 2024
Publication Date Dec 31, 2023
Deposit Date Mar 12, 2024
Publicly Available Date Mar 18, 2024
Journal Nihon University comparative law
Print ISSN 0289-8101
Electronic ISSN 0289-8101
Publisher Nihon University
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 39
Pages 89-103
Keywords International criminal law; International criminal court (ICC); Universal jurisdiction; United Kingdom; Japan
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2270589
Publisher URL https://tinyurl.com/39ejnjtp

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