The present research focuses on analysing the judicial uncertainty in the
implementation, interpretation and application of the ICC Statute both in
international and national arenas. In this context examined are the parameters
of state sovereignty as the main source of theoretical as well as practical
contemporary debate on the relationship between lex specialis character of
ICC norms and domestic legal regimes. Varying and frequently inconsistent
degrees of international and national compliance with international criminal
law due to the multiplicity of legal regimes are scrutinised by analysing the
relationship between national and ICC measures with regard to aspects of pretrial proceedings, such as surrender of accused persons and transfer of criminal
proceedings, rights of suspects and defendants as well as some aspects of
sentencing in so far as they affect the prima facie jurisdiction.
One of the main objectives of the ICC Treaty is to advance the unification of
international criminal law. Whilst it may be contended that this body of law is
acquiring a great degree of specificity and uniformity in content through the
Statute, both its development and importantly its scope are fundamentally
reliant on interpretation and application at national level; it is here that
international criminal law is fragmented. Consequently, its understanding and
enforcement are inconsistent.
The ICC Statute presents issues that are the result of the fusion of common and
civil law traditions as well as a blend of diverse criminal laws within each one of those systems. Distinguishing between Anglo-American and Continental
European criminal procedures has become increasingly complex and
transgressed. Such blend of legal traditions, whilst it must ensure that justice is rendered with equality, fairness and effectiveness, generates nevertheless everincreasing lack of legal orientation. The aim of this pastiche is therefore to
establish an international, uniform standard across contemporary justice
systems. However, the application of the ICC provisions will depend on
particular method of implementation of the Rome Treaty into domestic law,
local political situation, the nature of a conflict (armed conflict is where most of the ICC crimes are likely to occur), any peace process involving regional
amnesties and pardons and domestic policies and rules on sentencing.
The general perception of the ICC and the law it represents is that of a
powerful, centralised regime. Contrary to this belief, a proposition is made
here for a less hierarchical international criminal justice that is fundamentally reliant upon national courts and law enforcement agencies. Such a proposition
emphasises the need for the ICC involvement at a local level. In this context,
the thesis sets out to clarify the ICC law and related Statute enforcement
issues
