M. Cherif Bassiouni: Universal Jurisdiction for International Crimes: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Practice

In this article, Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni, President of the International Human Rights Law Institute at DePaul University, explores the historical evolution of universal jurisdiction, as well as its existence and use in international and national legal frameworks. He contends that, while there is no doubt that universal jurisdiction is useful and at times necessary, when employed in a politically-motivated manner, it can cause disruption to world order and deprivation of individual human rights.