The nullum crimen sine iure principle in contemporary International Law

Abstract

This paper deals with the evolution and current content of the nullum crimen sine iure principle in international law. It analyses the development of the nullum crimen principle from its definition as a principle of justice at the end of Second World War, to its current definition as an individual right imposing a limitation upon States’ sovereignty. The article also explains that, nowadays, the nullum cri- men principle requires for the relevant conduct to be a crime at the time of its com- mission, according to any of the sources of criminal law in the relevant national or international legal system. No written law is necessarily required. As a result, accessibility and foreseability are the main elements of the nullum crimen principle in current international law.

Keywords

• nullum crimen
• principio de legalidad
• accesibilidad
• previsibilidad
• costumbre
• Corte Europea de Derechos Humanos
• Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
• Corte Penal Internacional
• Tribunal Penal Internacional para la antigua Yugoslavia