Abstract
Abstract
Under traditional jurisdictional rules, only states with a direct connection to a crime can prosecute it, while, universal jurisdiction is criminal jurisdiction based solely on the nature of the crime, regardless of where the crime was committed and the nationality of the victims or the accused.
Defenders of Universal jurisdiction claim that it is the essential tool of the international community in its endeavour to bring the accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice .
Critics say that Universal jurisdiction abuses to international relations, raises judicial chaos, and interferes with the political and diplomatic solutions.
This principle is becoming a potent instrument of international law, but it is poorly understood by most public officials and citizens
This paper, aims to provide an explanation of the principle, its legal basis, its conditions, and the crimes covered by it.