ICC Trials
How trials are conducted at the ICC, the rights of the accused, and landmark cases that have shaped the Court's jurisprudence.
Trial Procedure
ICC trials blend elements of common law (adversarial) and civil law (inquisitorial) traditions. Three judges hear each case. The prosecution presents its case first, followed by the defense. Victims, uniquely at the ICC, can participate through legal representatives, presenting their views and concerns at various stages. The standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt.
Trials are often lengthy. The Lubanga trial lasted from 2009 to 2012 for a single charge. The Ntaganda trial ran from 2015 to 2019. The length reflects the complexity of the crimes, the volume of evidence, and the procedural safeguards built into the system. The accused has the right to counsel, to be informed of charges in a language they understand, to examine witnesses, and to adequate time for defense preparation. These rights cannot be compromised regardless of the severity of the charges.