The universal criminal jurisdiction principle between theory and practice

Abstract EN

The universal criminal jurisdiction principle plays an important role in ending impunity for dangerous international crimes, This principle is characterized by the consideration of a specific type of crimes; mainly they are war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, torture and crimes of international terrorism, and the crime of international piracy.

The universality principle gives national criminal courts the right to consider these crimes without the necessity of a relationship between the State exercising this jurisdiction and the crime committed; however, its application faces several obstacles.

Belgium and Spain are among the leading countries that have included the principle in their national laws.