When it comes to referencing the Rome Statute, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind. The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) and provides a legal framework for prosecuting individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and aggression.
Why is Referencing the Rome Statute Important?
Referencing the Rome Statute is crucial for anyone conducting research or writing about international criminal law. It allows readers to easily locate and verify specific provisions, articles, or paragraphs within the treaty.
How to Reference the Rome Statute
The following guidelines outline how to reference the Rome Statute:
In-Text Citations
In-text citations should include the specific article number of the Rome Statute being referenced. For example:
Article 5 of the Rome Statute defines the crime of aggression.
Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute addresses crimes against humanity.
Bibliographic References
In bibliographic references, it is important to include all relevant information to enable others to locate the specific provision within the Rome Statute. A typical bibliographic reference should include:
- The title: Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
- The year it was adopted: 1998
- The publication information: Rome
- The publisher: United Nations Treaty Series
- The volume number: 2187
- The article number being referenced: Article 25(3)(a)
An example of a bibliographic reference to the Rome Statute would be:
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998), Rome, United Nations Treaty Series, Vol. 2187, Article 25(3)(a).
Referencing Amendments and Resolutions
The Rome Statute has undergone several amendments and resolutions since its adoption. When referencing these amendments or resolutions, it is important to include the relevant information such as the year, title, and document number.
Example:
Amendment to Article 8 of the Rome Statute, ICC-ASP/4/Res.10 (2015).
Conclusion
Referencing the Rome Statute properly is essential for legal scholars, researchers, and anyone studying international criminal law. By following these guidelines and including in-text citations and bibliographic references, you can ensure accurate and effective referencing of this important treaty.
Remember to always consult your institution’s citation guidelines or style manual for specific formatting requirements when referencing legal documents like the Rome Statute.