What is an international criminal tribunal?

Written By: Charity Delich

An international criminal tribunal is a special court set up to prosecute international crimes. Such international prosecutorial courts are often set up to prosecute crimes coming out of a particular situation, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Others, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), are general courts created to prosecute particular types of international crimes.

International criminal tribunals are created with the purpose of prosecuting cases to which national courts are unable to devote their own resources. These courts are typically created by way of treaty and the signing countries agree to recognize and enforce the rules of the court. Generally, international criminal tribunals are devoted to prosecuting various human rights crimes such as genocide.

US District Courts also deal with many issues of international law. These issues include trade agreements and intellectual property cases involving copyrights, patents, and trademarks. The courts are responsible for interpreting and enforcing not only US federal law, but also international agreements to which the US is a signatory. They are also responsible for imposing sanctions for violations of international copyright agreements, including the destruction of pirated materials.

In the private sector, law firms handle international business transactions in the areas of securities, real estate, and regulatory laws of foreign countries. Clients include investors, private individuals, and import-export companies. Law firms may also advise and represent foreign clients wishing to do business in the US on regulatory and contractual matters. The in-house legal departments of corporations advise the company and its employees in matters of international law. International law careers available in the US have their counterparts in other countries around the world.

Legal training is not necessary for all careers in international law. Many non-governmental and nonprofit organizations offer opportunities, particularly in the area of human rights, to work in the area of international law. For instance, Amnesty International utilizes researchers, policy-makers, and fundraisers to carry out its advocacy of human rights. Human Rights Watch employs researchers, advocates, administrative international justice associates, and other support staff. Some organizations offer internships to students interested in pursuing a career in international law.

For students exploring international law careers, law schools recommend specific core courses. These include international law, tax and corporate law, intellectual property, and commercial law. Law firm directories like Martindale-Hubbell and Hieros Gamos Worldwide Law Firms Directory offer listings of law firms that practice in the area of international law. The American Bar Association Section of International Law and Practice also contains resources on job opportunities on its website.

(The article is taken from http://www.wisegeek.com/)