Genocide in International Law

Analysis of the 1948 Genocide Convention and its impact on international courts and tribunals and its place in law debates.

A thorough analysis of the law governing the crime of genocide, in language that is accessible to non-specialists. The origins of the 1948 Genocide Convention are studied along with the interpretation given to various aspects in international courtrooms.The 1948 Genocide Convention is a vital legal tool in the international campaign against impunity. Its provisions, including its enigmatic definition of the crime and its pledge both to punish and to prevent the 'crime of crimes', have now been considered in important judgments by the International Court of Justice, the international criminal tribunals and domestic courts. Since the second edition appeared in 2009, there have been important new judgments as well as attempts to apply the concept of genocide to a range of conflicts. Attention is given to the concept of protected groups, to problems of criminal prosecution and to issues of international judicial cooperation, such as extradition. The duty to prevent genocide and its relationship with the doctrine of the 'responsibility to protect' are also explored.