Gavin Howe
International criminal law is a field that deals with the prosecution of individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and acts of aggression. The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002, is a permanent tribunal that handles these cases. While the ICC is a relatively recent development, the foundations of international criminal law can be traced back to the period before World War I. To practice international criminal law, individuals typically need a strong background in criminal litigation, human rights law, and practical experience. Internships and employment opportunities are available at international criminal tribunals, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | Strong performance in law school, with courses in criminal litigation, international law, and human rights law |
| Experience | Three to five years of experience in criminal litigation, defense, or prosecution |
| Internships | Opportunities available at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and the Legal Department of the IMF |
| Skills | Similar skills are learned in a U.S. Attorney or local District Attorney's office |
| Legal Professionals | Judges, prosecutors, bar associations, and other legal professionals |
| Court | International Criminal Court (ICC), located in The Hague, Netherlands |
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What You'll Learn
Internships at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was a United Nations court of law that dealt with war crimes committed during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s. The ICTY offered internships in the field of criminal law, international and humanitarian law, social sciences, and administration. The internships were available in all three divisions of the ICTY: Chambers, Registry, and the Office of the Prosecutor.
The Chambers division consisted of judges and staff, the Registry handled administrative matters, and the Office of the Prosecutor handled prosecution and investigations. Most of the attorneys worked in the Office of the Prosecutor, and approximately 25 worked in the Chambers division. The working languages of the ICTY were English and French, but knowledge of languages from the region, such as Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, or Albanian, could be beneficial.
The internships at the ICTY were typically for an initial period of three months, followed by a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. The conditions of service for interns were governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations, and staff members were expected to be discrete and loyal to the interests of the ICTY. Interns were offered competitive salaries, extensive medical and pension plans, and annual leave.
To apply for an internship at the ICTY, candidates were required to register and provide information about their qualifications and personal details. It was important for candidates to have a strong performance in law school, with courses in criminal litigation, international law, and human rights law. Practical experience in criminal litigation and defense or prosecution was also advantageous. Additionally, candidates who required a visa for entry were assisted by the Tribunal, which applied for a visa on their behalf.
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Internships at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was established in November 1994 by the UN Security Council to prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Rwanda between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994. The ICTR also deals with the prosecution of Rwandan citizens responsible for similar violations of international law committed in territories other than Rwanda during this period.
The ICTR offers internships to students and professionals specialising in fields relevant to the work of the Tribunal, such as international relations, law, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, translation and terminology. The internship programme aims to provide participants with practical experience in their field of study, promote a better understanding of global problems, and offer insight into how the ICTR works to find solutions.
The internships are available in all three divisions of the ICTR: Chambers, Registry, and the Office of the Prosecutor. The Chambers consist of Judges and staff, the Registry handles administrative matters, and the Office of the Prosecutor handles prosecution and investigations.
To apply for an internship at the ICTR, candidates must submit a completed application form, a covering letter stating their reasons for applying, and at least two written references. Applicants must also state their particular field of interest and/or submit a topic for a thesis or paper on a relevant subject. Additionally, applicants must be proficient in English and/or French, and knowledge of Swahili and/or Kinyarwanda is considered an asset.
It is important to note that the ICTR accepts interns on a limited basis, depending on the specific needs of its work units and their capacity to support and supervise interns. The number and nature of internships are defined by the ICTR according to the needs of its various offices, and the selection and recruitment procedure is ongoing.
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Internships at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
International criminal law is a unique and exciting area of law to work in. The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) have been popular places for internships and subsequent employment in the field of international criminal law.
Similarly, internships at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can be a great way to gain experience and get a foot in the door at this prestigious organisation. The IMF offers a range of internships, including in the economic and legal departments.
The economic internships are aimed at students who have focused their studies on monetary and international economics, public finance, financial markets, or related fields. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, as well as excellent oral and written English abilities, are also required.
For those interested in the legal department, a background in international and trade law and economics is beneficial. Applicants should be within one or two years of completing an LLM, JD, or equivalent advanced degree in law and be under 32 years of age.
IMF internships are paid and typically last between 10 and 12 weeks, with some running for up to 13 weeks. They take place during the summer, between June and October, and are based at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The application process usually opens in early December, and applicants are advised to apply via the IMF Career Site. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by a FIP recruiter, and those who are not US citizens or permanent residents will need to obtain a G4 visa.
The internships offer a great opportunity to build professional networks and gain valuable research experience, working closely with experienced IMF colleagues on issues of importance to member countries and global economic stability.
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Lawyers with experience in criminal litigation
International criminal law deals with crimes that transcend national borders and multiple jurisdictions, such as international extradition cases, fraud, money laundering, and illegal offshore banking. Lawyers with a background in criminal litigation will have honed skills in evidence analysis, criminal procedure, and advocacy, which are directly transferable to the international stage.
Most lawyers practicing international criminal law began their careers in their country's criminal courts, gaining valuable experience in prosecution or defense. This experience is critical, as international criminal law often involves similar skills, applied on a larger scale. For example, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) have been popular places for internships and employment, offering positions in prosecution, investigations, and administrative matters.
Lawyers with a strong foundation in criminal litigation can also seek internships and employment with organizations like the UNDP, which addresses issues such as democratic governance, poverty reduction, and crisis prevention. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 and based in The Hague, offers another avenue for lawyers to practice international criminal law. This court has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression, and its creation marked a significant reform in international law.
In conclusion, lawyers with experience in criminal litigation have a solid base of skills and knowledge that can be effectively applied in the realm of international criminal law. By gaining further expertise in international law and human rights, these lawyers can play a crucial role in delivering justice to victims of international crimes and restoring trust in society.
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Judges, prosecutors, and bar associations
International criminal law is a complex and critical area of law that deals with prosecuting individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and aggression. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal established to administer international criminal law. The ICC is composed of four separate organs, including the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) and the Assembly of States Parties, which elects the Court's judges and prosecutors.
Judges
Trial judges in the ICC hear evidence from the Prosecutor, Defence, and Victims' lawyers, render a verdict, and sentence those found guilty. Appeals judges rule on appeals from the Prosecutor or Defence. Judges also play a role in approving arrest warrants and authorising investigations. The judges of the Court are elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a non-renewable mandate of nine years.
Prosecutors
The OTP is an independent organ of the Court responsible for examining situations within the Court's jurisdiction, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. The OTP conducts investigations and prosecutions against individuals allegedly responsible for these crimes. The Prosecutor determines whether there is sufficient evidence to initiate an investigation and can open an investigation on their own initiative with legal authorisation from the judges. The Prosecutor and Deputy Prosecutors are elected by the Assembly of States Parties, just like the judges.
Bar Associations
The International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) is an independent professional association that represents the interests of Counsel and Support Staff at the ICC. The ICCBA offers various membership options, including full membership for lawyers admitted to the ICC List of Counsel and those eligible to practice before the ICC. The association also conducts training sessions on substantive and procedural issues in international criminal law, providing a collective voice for independent Counsel and Support Staff representing different actors in the legal process.
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Frequently asked questions
Lawyers who have applied to be on the List of Counsel and meet the criteria set forth in Rule 22 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and Regulation 67 of the Regulations of the Court.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal that prosecutes individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. The court's official seat is in The Hague, Netherlands, but its proceedings may take place anywhere.
Strong performance in law school is important. Take courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence, international law, and human rights law. Practical experience is also critical, with most lawyers practicing international criminal law beginning their practice in their country's criminal courts.
