Published by
Renee Dopplick |
10 November 08
09:00:35 pm Categories:
Background,
Fact Sheets
Comparison of the ICJ and the ICC
Question: What are the similarities and differences between the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
Answer: Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two international courts. More information about each of the two courts can be found on the
UN Courts and Tribunals page.
| Feature |
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
La Cour Internationale de Justice (CIJ) |
International Criminal Court (ICC)
La Cour pénale internationale (CPI) |
| Website |
icj-cij.org |
icc-cpi.int |
| Year Court Established |
1946 |
2002 |
| Languages |
English, French |
English, French |
| UN-Relationship |
Official court of the U.N., commonly referred to as the "World Court." |
Independent. May receive case referrals from the UN Security Council. Can initiate prosecutions without UN action or referral. |
| Location |
The Hague, The Netherlands |
The Hague, The Netherlands |
| Jurisdiction |
U.N. member-states (i.e. national governments) |
Individuals |
| Types of Cases |
(1) Contentious between parties, (2) Advisory opinions |
Criminal prosecution of individuals |
| Subject Matter |
Sovereignty, boundary disputes, maritime disputes, trade, natural resources, human rights, treaty violations, treaty interpretation, and more. |
Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of aggression |
| Authorizing Legal Mechanism |
States that ratify the U.N. Charter become parties to the ICJ Statute under Article 93. Non-UN member states can also become parties to the ICJ by ratifying the ICJ Statute. Each state must provide consent to any contentious case by explicit agreement, declaration, or treaty clause. |
Rome Statute |
| Appeals |
None. The ICJ decision in a contentious case is binding upon the parties. If a State fails to comply with the judgment, the issue may be taken to the UN Security Council, which has the authority to review, recommend, and decide upon enforcement. |
Appeals Chamber. Article 80 of the Rome Statute allows retention of an acquitted defendant pending appeal. |
| Precedent |
No stare decisis. Prior case law is persuasive authority. |
No stare decisis. Prior case law is persuasive authority. |
| Online Archives |
1946-present |
2002-present |
| Funding |
UN-funded. |
Assessed contribution from state parties to the Rome Statute; voluntary contributions from the U.N.; voluntary contributions from governments, international organizations, individuals, corporations and other entities. |
| Budget |
2006-2007 $36.8 million |
2007 €88.87 million
2008 €90.4 million
2009 €106.2 million (roughly US$136 million) |
Read more about the various
UN Courts and Tribunals.
