Attempt, Conspiracy, and Incitement to Commit Genocide

THE UN GENOCIDE CONVENTION - A COMMENTARY, P. Gaeta, ed., Forthcoming

39 Pages Posted: 18 Aug 2009

See all articles by Jens David Ohlin

Jens David Ohlin

Cornell University - School of Law

Date Written: August 17, 2009

Abstract

In these brief commentaries to the U.N. Genocide Convention, I explore three criminal law modes of liability as they apply to the international crime of genocide. Part I analyzes attempt to commit genocide and uncovers a basic tension over whether attempt refers to the genocide itself (the chapeau) or the underlying offense (such as killing). Part I concludes that the tension stems from the fact that the crime of genocide itself is already inchoate in nature, since the legal requirements for the crime do not require an actual, completed genocide, in the common-sense understanding of the term, but only a prohibited act with the intent of destroying the group in whole or in part. Part II explores the curious fate of both conspiracy and incitement to commit genocide under current international criminal law. Conspiracy to commit genocide was applied at the ad hoc tribunals but rejected by the drafters of the Rome Statute, thus leading to serious confusion over its status under customary law, while incitement to commit genocide is burdened by uncertainty over its inchoate status. Part III then concludes with a brief, speculative discussion of state responsibility for genocide for these modes of liability.

Keywords: genocide, attempt, conspiracy, incitement

Suggested Citation

Ohlin, Jens David, Attempt, Conspiracy, and Incitement to Commit Genocide (August 17, 2009). THE UN GENOCIDE CONVENTION - A COMMENTARY, P. Gaeta, ed., Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1456594

Jens David Ohlin (Contact Author)

Cornell University - School of Law ( email )

218 Myron Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-4901
United States
(607) 255-0479 (Phone)
(607) 255-7193 (Fax)

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