The International criminal court jurisdiction and the concept of sovereignty

Abstract

The necessity of prosecution of major crimes committed against individuals or groups has become a common opinion today due to the increasing importance attached to the concept of human rights. The international community demands punishing those individuals committed major international crimes regardless of their duties and powers. The International Criminal Court has become the indicator and the outcome of this demand. It is a development welcomed by the majority of the international community in terms of an idealistic approach. However, there are debates on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. The powers of the Court superseding national jurisdiction and challenging the concept of national sovereignty are the most discussed ongoing issues in particular. The existing jurisdiction of the Court as well as the criticism of this jurisdiction will be discussed in this study.