Introductory Note to the Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act (U.S.)

Abstract

This note provides background and analysis of the Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act and its legislative history, including about how the jurisdictional gaps it fills were identified even before the War Crimes Act was passed in 1996. It also observes some remaining gaps in U.S. domestic legislation with respect to the ability to prosecute certain core international crimes (including crimes against humanity). It has been accepted for publication by ASIL's International Legal Materials, published by Cambridge University Press.

Keywords: war crimes, extraterritoriality, universal jurisdiction, genocide, crimes against humanity