The Principle of Equality of Arms in International Criminal Proceedings

The Principle of Equality of Arms in International Criminal Proceedings
Author: Mascha Fedorova
Publisher: Intersentia Uitgevers N V
Total Pages: 529
Release: 2012
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9781780681115

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This book examines the interpretation and application of the principle of equality of arms in proceedings before several international criminal courts. The coming of age of these institutions merits an evaluation of the application of one of the fundamental principles underlying a criminal procedure. The practice of these courts presents some substantial challenges to achieving a meaningful equality of arms in the context in which these courts operate. Before studying the law and jurisprudence of the International Criminal Tribunals - for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Criminal Court, and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia - the historical roots and the meaning of the principle of equality of arms are examined from two perspectives: the human rights perspective and the criminal process perspective. Subsequently, four themes that are central to understanding the principle of equality of arms in the international criminal context are discussed. First, the focus is on the investigation stage of the criminal process and the ability of the parties to prepare for trial. Next, the study takes a closer look at the system of disclosure of materials that were collected during investigations. Third, attention is paid to the issue of the perceived inequality in resources and facilities between the parties and the institutionally unequal positioning of the defense. Last, issues concerning the presentation of the case at the trial stage - such as the time and the number of witnesses the parties are allowed to present and the issues relating to the examination of witnesses and the admissibility of evidence - are examined. The book concludes with general observations on the scope and proper understanding of the principle of fairness, the right to a fair trial, and the principle of equality of arms. (Series: School of Human Rights Research - Vol. 55)

The Principle of Equality of Arms in International Criminal Justice

The Principle of Equality of Arms in International Criminal Justice
Author: Özge Bengüsu
Publisher:
Total Pages: 265
Release: 2019-03-19
Genre:
ISBN: 9781090962195

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Where the State as prosecutor has an enormous power advantage, the principle of equality of arms is fundamental to achieving a fair trial guarantee, to enable the accused a full opportunity to defend him/herself under conditions that do not place him at a substantial disadvantage.The principle, which is evolving to become a right of the accused in international criminal law, provides not only procedural but also substantial and material equality, and should be given more importance in the international criminal field. Dr. Bengüsu offers a detailed analysis of the principle of equality of arms and interprets the principle through extensive examination of proceedings before international criminal courts, before proposing a detailed Article to be adopted by the ICC. This is essential reading for anyone directly interested in the human rights of the accused, and provides important insight for legal students, practicing lawyers, and interested laypersons

The Principle of "equality of Arms" in Criminal Procedure Under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Its Functions in Criminal Justice of Selected European Countries

The Principle of
Author: Malgorzata Wasek-Wiaderek (Auteur)
Publisher: Leuven University Press
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2000
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9789058670908

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The paper deals with one of the significant aspect of fairness in criminal cases, the concept of "equality of arms". The considerations focus initially on the analysis of the scope and meaning of the notion of "equality of arms" in the case-law of the European Commission and the European Court of Human Rights under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The author reviewed the Strasbourg case-law on the concept of "equality of arms" in the context of three different but connected procedural topics: equality between the parties in the institutional framework of criminal proceedings, "equality of arms" principle in the evidentiary proceedings in general and "equality of arms" under Article 6 of the Convention in the jurisprudence concerning criminal trials involving anonymous witnesses. Subsequent chapters of the paper survey the application of this notion to different models of criminal procedure, namely to the common law system (of which England is a good example) and to the model of procedure adopted in the countries of Continental Europe (e.g. Germany and Poland). The analysis does not provide for a comprehensive treatment of all national regulations concerning the issue of equality between the parties in a criminal process. Its objective is rather to emphasise the general approach to the principle of "equality of arms" in different models of criminal justice. The final chapter of the paper focuses on the issue of the possible convergence of different models of criminal procedure adopted in Europe with the one model based on the standards and principles emerged form the jurisprudence of the organs of the Convention.

Equality of Arms in International Criminal Law

Equality of Arms in International Criminal Law
Author: Charles C. Jalloh
Publisher:
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2017
Genre:
ISBN:

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This chapter considers the meaning of “equality of arms” between the prosecution and defense in modern international criminal law. The analysis reveals the disparity between the theory and practice, and shows how this oft mentioned principle in the jurisprudence and the literature is a lofty goal that seems to be applied feebly. The paper starts out by examining how international criminal courts define and apply the phrase in concrete cases, and offers multiple examples of courts shying away from ensuring the substantive equality of the parties in favor of reading the right as a mere procedural guarantee. Following a brief discussion of the link between equality of arms and the right to a fair and public trial, the authors argue that equality of arms is more than a simple fair trial right; it is an expansive institutional entitlement which is impacted by the lack of structural independence of defense offices in all but one international criminal court. The chapter uses the glaring inequality in investigative resources between the prosecution and the defense as a case study to advocate for special attention to the substantive enjoyment of equality of arms during the important investigative stages of such trials. In addition, the authors assess the out-of-court structural and resource inequalities that further stack the deck against defendants. They show how greater prosecution compliance with the statutory duty to collect and disclose both incriminating as well as exculpatory evidence in the permanent International Criminal Court could serve as one mechanism to help improve the substantive position of the defense and the fairness of international criminal trials.

International Criminal Justice

International Criminal Justice
Author: Michael Bohlander
Publisher: Cameron May
Total Pages: 506
Release: 2007
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1905017448

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Summary: "Written by seasoned scholars and practitioners, this collection of essays provides a most comprehensive analysis of the institutional dynamics and political underpinnings of international criminal justice. They explore and provide critical comment on the main institutional difficulties experienced by International Tribunals."--Publisher description.

Defense Perspectives on International Criminal Justice

Defense Perspectives on International Criminal Justice
Author: Colleen Rohan
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 629
Release: 2017-04-27
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1108161642

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This examination of the role of the defense in international criminal proceedings highlights its contribution to the development of international criminal law and the fair administration of international criminal justice. Written by leading international practitioners and scholars, it combines the practice and theory of international criminal law in order to provide a first-hand perspective on the significant challenges involved in the administration of international criminal justice. The authors examine, among other issues, the role of the defense during the different stages of international criminal proceedings, the key aspects of defense work which seek to ensure the accused's right to a fair trial, professional ethics, the United Nations Residual Mechanism for International Tribunals, and post-conviction remedies and issues relating to those serving prison sentences.

Theory and Practice of International and Internationalized Criminal Proceedings

Theory and Practice of International and Internationalized Criminal Proceedings
Author: Geert-Jan G. J. Knoops
Publisher:
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2005
Genre: Criminal procedure (International law).
ISBN:

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Although a number of serious crimes have been recognized and defined as international in nature most obviously genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity - no universal code of procedural law can be said to govern the conduct of international criminal trials. This important new books takes a giant step toward the development of such a code through an in-depth analysis of actual procedure before existing international and internationalized courts - the International Military Tribunal for Nuremberg and Tokyo (1945), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), and the East Timor Special Panels for Serious Crimes. The author also explores and clarifies the crucial role of human rights law, especially as it has evolved in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in the field of international criminal procedural law. Any professional, official, or academic concerned with ensuring the highest standards of international justice will find this book rewarding and useful, Practitioners and policymakers in any criminal justice system will appreciate the detailed practical evaluation and guidance provided here.

Procedural Fairness in International Courts and Tribunals

Procedural Fairness in International Courts and Tribunals
Author: Arman Sarvarian
Publisher: British Institute for International & Comparative Law
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2015
Genre: Court proceedings
ISBN: 9781905221608

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Procedural fairness is a topic of contemporary importance that touches upon the jurisdictional powers, the effectiveness, and the normative/institutional framework of international courts and tribunals. Increasingly prominent in practice, it features in a wide spectrum of arbitral and judicial settlement processes, from the handling of expert evidence before the International Court of Justice, as well as the burden and standard of proof in investor-State arbitration, to the role of victims and the right to a prompt and speedy trial at the International Criminal Court. The fairness of these proceedings is a topic of fundamental importance, not only to practitioners of international law (judges, counsels, registrars, NGO lawyers, legal advisers, and other civil servants), but also to scholars of international law due to its implications for the key topic of international dispute settlement. This book frames the study of procedural fairness as the identification of fundamental principles inherent to international judicial and arbitral processes. It draws together a number of pertinent issues on specific aspects of fairness (e.g. the equality of arms principle) before international courts and tribunals within a comprehensive narrative. It brings academics and practitioners together to initiate ground-breaking research into this novel topic. The book employs a comparative approach whereby the contributors analyze the procedures and practices of various international courts and tribunals. It identifies patterns of commonality and divergence in the core standards of procedural fairness of international courts, and it develops a holistic understanding of the nature of procedural fairness and the challenges to its realization in the international judicial system. The book concludes that, while there is no universal model of procedural fairness, nascent principles of fairness are emerging in the jurisprudence of international courts in order to resolve procedural and practical issues. [Subject: International Law, Comparative Law]

The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law

The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law
Author: Amal Clooney
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 1057
Release: 2021-02-11
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0198808399

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This book provides a comprehensive explanation of what the right to a fair trial means in practice under international law. Focus on factual scenarios that practitioners may, it brings together sources and cases that define the right to a fair trial in criminal proceedings.