What is an 'Unwilling' or 'Unable' Jurisdiction Under Article 17 of the Rome Statute? Lessons from International Law's Theories of 'Denial of Justice' (Qu'Est Ce Qu'Une Juridiction 'Incapable' Ou 'Manquant De Volonte' Au Sens De L'Article 17 Du Traite De Rome? Quelques Enseignements Tires Des Theories Du Deni De Justice En Droit International).

Abstract:     
The exact definition of an "unwilling or unable" state or jurisdiction under the International Criminal Court Statute, which is crucial to the functioning of complementarity, remains elusive. This article proposes to explore the nineteenth and early twentieth century origins of "denial of justice" under international law theories as an early and illuminating analog for the dilemmas of complementarity. It finds that the ICC could learn a lot from engagement with this rich case law which of state responsibility and exceptions to the rule of exhaustion of local remedies.

Note: Downloadable document is in French.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 12

Keywords: International criminal court, unwilling, unable, complementarity, denial of justice

JEL Classification: K33

Accepted Paper Series