Since the war crimes trials that followed World War II, the “law of nations” has become more widely understood and accepted throughout the world. As a result, an increasing number of individuals have been prosecuted and convicted for international crimes. Understanding the principles of effective administration of international criminal justice and the proper adjudication of international crimes begins with a review of the sources of international criminal law, followed by the various steps in the process. In general terms, these are the investigation, the indictment, the trial, and appeals.

The sources of international criminal law can be divided into two basic categories: international and state. References to state law in this context mean [Page 7]international law that has, in one way or another, been incorporated into ...