How are judges and prosecutors chosen for the International Criminal Court?

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Adolf Eichmann listening to an Israeli court's verdict — War crime Former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann listening as an Israeli court declares him guilty on all counts at his war crimes trial in Jerusalem, 1961.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) operates under a structured system to ensure the independence and integrity of its legal proceedings. Both judges and the prosecutor are selected through a democratic process involving the member nations of the court.1

Selection Process

Judges: The ICC is composed of 18 judges who are elected by the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute. Once elected, these judges are assigned to the Pre-Trial, Trial, or Appeals divisions, which are further organized into chambers.1
Prosecutor: The prosecutor is also elected by the Assembly of States Parties. This individual serves as an independent official responsible for directing prosecutions, ensuring that the rights of the defendant are protected, and remaining subject to judicial oversight by the Pre-Trial Chamber.1

By utilizing this election process, the ICC maintains a framework designed to uphold international justice while acting as a court of last resort for the most serious crimes, including war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.1