Can civilians be charged with war crimes?

All individuals, including government officials, military commanders, soldiers, militia members, and civilians, are subject to prosecution for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and applicable domestic crimes under international law.

Can ICC prosecute non member states?

Under the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by nationals of member states, but also crimes committed on the territory of member states, even if those responsible are citizens of a country that is not a member of the court.

Why is US not part of ICC?

The United States government has consistently opposed an international court that could hold US military and political leaders to a uniform global standard of justice. Washington, however, has no intention to join the ICC, due to its concern about possible charges against US nationals.

Can a private citizen initiate a criminal charge?

From time to time, I am asked about the right of private citizens to initiate criminal charges by approaching a magistrate. The arrest warrant statute, G.S. 15A-304, requires only that a magistrate be “supplied with sufficient information, supported by oath or affirmation” to find probable cause.

Can a private citizen seek an arrest warrant?

Chambers, 261 P.3d 792 (Colo. Ct. App. 2011) (collecting cases and concluding that private citizens cannot seek arrest warrants); Juan Cardenas, The Crime Victim in the Prosecutorial Process, 9 Harv. J. L & Pub.

Can a private citizen file a criminal complaint?

Georgia: criminal process may be issued based on a request by a private citizen, though only after a “warrant application hearing” at which the potential accused has an opportunity to argue that charges should not be issued. Ga. Code. 17-4-40. Pennsylvania: a private citizen may file a complaint with a prosecutor.

What kind of crimes are tried in the International Criminal Court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.//

Are there any states that allow citizens to file criminal charges?

Maryland is one of the few states that allows citizens to file criminal charges. Some of the other states which allow this practice are: Georgia, Idaho, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia does not allow this practice, while Virginia is even more liberal than Maryland in this regard: it also allows private prosecutions.

Can a person be convicted of treason for levying war?

Rather, a person could be convicted of treason for levying war only if there was an “actual assemblage of men for the purpose of executing a treasonable design.” In so holding, the Court sharply confined the scope of the offense of treason by levying war against the United States.