Legal Definitions - crime against international law

Definition: A crime against international law is a violation of the laws and principles that govern relations between nations. It includes crimes such as:

• Crime Against the Law of Nations: This refers to acts that violate the basic principles of international law, such as piracy, slavery, and genocide.
• Crime Against Peace: This refers to acts that involve the planning, preparation, initiation, or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international peace treaties, agreements, or assurances.

Examples:

• The Holocaust: The systematic extermination of six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II is considered a crime against international law, specifically a crime against humanity.
• The Iraq War: The United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was not authorized by the United NationsSecurity Council, is considered by some to be a crime against peace.

These examples illustrate how crimes against international law can take many forms, from genocide to illegal wars. Such crimes are considered to be among the most serious violations of international law, and those responsible can be held accountable by international tribunals and courts.