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D’Ascoli, Silvia --- "International sentencing: law and practice" [2016] ELECD 773; in Mulgrew, Róisín; Abels, Denis (eds), "Research Handbook on the International Penal System" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2016) 133

Book Title: Research Handbook on the International Penal System

Editor(s): Mulgrew, Róisín; Abels, Denis

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781783472154

Section: Chapter 6

Section Title: International sentencing: law and practice

Author(s): D’Ascoli, Silvia

Number of pages: 34

Abstract/Description:

This chapter focuses on international sentencing and discusses, in particular, the law and practice on sentencing of the UN ad hoc Tribunals ICTY and ICTR, the ICC and the SCSL. ‘Sentencing’ here refers to the process of meting out punishment and determining an appropriate sanction when individual criminal responsibility is ascertained, including the criteria for the individualization of the penalty. ‘International sentencing’, more specifically, refers to the process of meting out punishment by international courts and tribunals. Sentencing should be regarded as one of the most important parts of the adjudication process. A sentence plays a fundamental role for the convicted person, the victim(s), the general public (considering the impact of the judgment upon society) and for the judges, as a judgment represents the concluding stage of the proceedings and thus their final outcome. International sentencing, in particular, acquires an important additional function: to underscore the existence of international justice. In fact, it serves the purpose of demonstrating the seriousness with which the international community regards violations of its laws, condemns transgressions and metes out penalties for the commission of crimes of international concern. Despite its importance, what is surprising about international sentencing, especially when compared to national sentencing, is the lack of a defined set of norms and principles guiding the determination of penalties in international criminal law. In fact, international sentencing has thus far not been regulated by strict norms, rules or principles, or significant guidelines.