Background
🎬 Introduction to the International Criminal Court
To gain a quick understanding of the ICC’s role and operations, watch the following video:
🌍 Simulation Background
This simulation places you in the shoes of individuals who participate in the workings of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Through structured phases — Investigation, Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeals — you will experience the legal and ethical complexities of global justice.
🧭 Purpose of the Simulation
The goal of this exercise is to give you an applied understanding of:
- How the ICC investigates and prosecutes international crimes
- The different roles and procedures involved in international criminal justice
- Legal concepts such as jurisdiction, admissibility, complementarity, and the interests of justice
- Evidence evaluation and courtroom deliberation
You’ll not only practice legal reasoning and teamwork but also grapple with real-world ethical dilemmas and decision-making under uncertainty.
⚖️ What is the ICC?
The International Criminal Court is a permanent international tribunal established in 2002 by the Rome Statute. It has the authority to prosecute individuals for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community:
- Genocide
- Crimes against humanity
- War crimes
- Crime of aggression
Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which handles disputes between states, the ICC deals with individual criminal responsibility.
🧩 What You’ll Be Doing
In groups, you will:
- Analyze a simulated case based on real-world events
- Assume one of several roles (e.g., prosecutor, judge, investigator, referrer)
- Work collaboratively to develop legal arguments and submit decisions
- Participate in live or asynchronous discussions to present your findings
🧠 Learning Objectives
By the end of the simulation, you should be able to:
- Identify and explain the functions of ICC actors and processes
- Apply international legal principles to a specific case
- Construct well-reasoned legal arguments
- Communicate legal decisions in a formal format
- Collaborate effectively in group settings
📚 Suggested Preparation
To get the most out of this experience, you are encouraged to review:
- Rome Statute (ICC Founding Document)
- ICC’s Structure and Procedures
- Introductory videos or articles on international law and human rights
This simulation encourages not just legal knowledge, but empathy, fairness, and global citizenship — core qualities of anyone working toward justice in the international arena.