Abstract

In this article, the author describes the flaws inherent in the process of international criminal tribunals which seek to punish the inhumane actions of dictators. The author first describes how international criminal trials confront severe impediments to accurate factfinding. It continues on to discuss the failure of witnesses in these tribunals to accurately convey the information needed to make a fully- informed decision. This problem is compounded by the fact that what clear information is provided during witness testimony often is inconsistent with the information that the witness previously provided in a pre-trial statement. The author also explores the causes behind the lack of accuracy in witness testimony, which include the lack of education or life experiences and the lack of familiarity with trial procedures.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Publication Information

14 UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs 235-273 (2009)

Download

Share

COinS