Ch.II Role and Status of Legal Participants

Subject(s):

Judges — Pre-Trial Chamber — International criminal law, victims — International criminal law, conduct of proceedings

This chapter defines the roles and status of the participants in international criminal proceedings. It outlines the duties, functions, and compositions of the judges and chambers (Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeal), the Prosecutor and the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP), and the defence counsel. The chapter also discusses the rights of the defendant (suspect/accused), which are central in the procedural framework of the ICC, as well as their participation at trial. The victims—who were formerly passive actors in international court proceedings—have since been granted rights and provided with the status of legal subjects, and their enhanced participation and protection in court are also described in depth. Lastly, the chapter examines the role of the amici curiae—‘friends of the court’ in Latin—who act as independent participants providing experts’ information on relevant issues where their specific expertise is needed.