Conspiracy in the Jurisprudence of the International Criminal Tribunals

Abstract

Abstract Conspiracy was considered one of the most serious crimes before the Nuremberg tribunal and years later formed a major part of the ICTR prosecution strategy. However, despite the enthusiasm that has informed the use of conspiracy in the prosecution of international crimes, the judges of the various tribunals have not shared the same enthusiasm. As a result, the convictions on conspiracy have not been many. Conspiracy in the international tribunals is construed more restrictively in comparison to the common law conspiracy. This practice has considerably downplayed the several perceived advantages of the common law conspiracy charge.