universal jurisdiction

international law

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July 16, 2026

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Universal jurisdiction is a principle in international law that allows national courts to prosecute certain international crimes, regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the offenders or victims. This principle is applied to crimes such as piracy, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.123

International criminal law encompasses the rules governing international crimes and their prosecution. It also addresses cooperation between national legal systems, such as through extradition. While states typically have jurisdiction over crimes within their territory or committed by their nationals, universal jurisdiction expands this authority for specific, universally condemned offenses. This ensures that perpetrators of the most heinous crimes cannot escape justice by finding refuge in countries unwilling or unable to prosecute them.312

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Baltasar Garzón
…the controversial legal principle of universal jurisdiction, whereby courts in one country may judge grave human rights crimes committed outside that country, regardless of the nationality of the accused. He later invoked universal jurisdiction in several other high-profile cases, including the indictments of several former Argentine officials, for human rights…
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…the controversial legal principle of universal jurisdiction, whereby courts in one country may judge grave human rights crimes committed outside that country, regardless of the nationality of the accused. He later invoked universal jurisdiction in several other high-profile cases, including the indictments of several former Argentine officials, for human rights…
Read More

international criminal law
Prosecution and defense
Under what is known as universal jurisdiction, national courts may prosecute these offenses no matter where or by whom they are committed. Indeed, in the 1990s Belgium adopted controversial legislation that granted its courts the authority to try anyone—even the leaders of other countries—for such offenses. In 2001 the International…
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Under what is known as universal jurisdiction, national courts may prosecute these offenses no matter where or by whom they are committed. Indeed, in the 1990s Belgium adopted controversial legislation that granted its courts the authority to try anyone—even the leaders of other countries—for such offenses. In 2001 the International…
Read More