Evidence in international criminal trials: lessons and contributions from the Special Court for Sierra Leone

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Periodical article

Title:	Evidence in international criminal trials: lessons and contributions from the Special Court for Sierra Leone
Author:	Hassan-Morlai, Patrick Matthew
Year:	2009
Periodical:	African Journal of Legal Studies (ISSN 1708-7384)
Volume:	3
Issue:	1
Pages:	96-118
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sierra Leone
Subjects:	international criminal courts international criminal law evidence legal procedure jurisprudence
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1163/221097312X13397499736985
Abstract:	This paper discusses the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), in particular, certain of its rules of evidence and their role in ensuring just, fair and expeditious trials for breaches of international humanitarian and international human rights law during the Sierra Leone conflict (1991-2002). In the conclusion, the author considers whether the manner in which the SCSL interpreted and applied specific rules of evidence helped it to meet and contribute to the objectives of a system of international criminal justice. These objectives include holding violators of international norms accountable; guaranteeing procedural propriety; giving legitimacy to the process and bestowing confidence in international criminal justice institutions. Though not without criticism, the author concludes in the affirmative. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]