Universal Jurisdiction
/ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəl ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The principle allowing national courts to try individuals for serious crimes regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the accused or victims.
Universal jurisdiction enables courts to prosecute war crimes committed abroad even if the accused is not a national.
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Commentary
Universal jurisdiction is often invoked in cases involving grave international offenses where no state has an obvious jurisdictional claim; it plays a key role in enforcing international criminal law beyond territorial limits.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.