International Criminal Law, Corruption, and Law Enforcement

Introduction

In light of the recent detentions of members of the Taleban and Al-Qaeda, questions have been raised as to what protections they are afforded under international law.  At the same time, attempting to apply existing international law to the novel circumstances presented by their cases yields substantial controversy and reveals possible gaps in the law.

 

The capture of Saddam Hussein on December 14, 2003, has prompted wide-ranging debate about where and how he should be tried.  While potential venues for prosecution range across a broad spectrum, it seems likely that Hussein will be tried before a court in Iraq operating with some form of international assistance.

 

On June 4, 2003, the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) issued an arrest warrant against Charles Taylor, the incumbent President of Liberia. When the warrant was issued, Mr. Taylor was traveling to Ghana for talks with Liberian rebel groups to end a four-year civil war that has destabilized West Africa.