The Opening Statement of the Prosecution in International Criminal Trials

This insightful book examines the often-overlooked significance of prosecution opening statements in international criminal trials, revealing their narrative power and impact on historical framing.

This book explores the critical role of the prosecution's opening statement in international criminal tribunals. Often dismissed as irrelevant to legal proceedings, these statements play a significant role in framing historical narratives. They are frequently referenced in both international media and academic literature, yet legal scholars have largely overlooked them as subjects worthy of in-depth analysis. The aim of this book is to fill this gap by examining the narratives presented by various prosecutors across different tribunals and time periods.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the text delves into the implications of the opening narratives beyond their legal functions. It discusses how the trials are contextualized in both time and space, and how they depict the key players involved. The book highlights the complexities involved in the narratives that seek to legitimize the tribunal and international criminal law, revealing the inherent tensions and contradictions that exist within these statements.

The Opening Statement of the Prosecution in International Criminal Trials offers a fresh perspective on the workings of international criminal law. It is designed for scholars and practitioners engaged in this field, as well as those interested in related areas such as International/Transnational Law, Critical Legal Studies, and International Relations. By analyzing these opening statements, the book contributes to a deeper understanding of how justice is constructed in the international arena.