Charter of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Preamble

We, the nations of Landfall, committed to peace, justice, and stability, hereby establish the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent judicial authority. The ICC shall hold accountable individuals responsible for severe violations of international law, ensuring justice beyond national interests or biases.

Article 1: Jurisdiction and Location

1.1 Headquarters and Neutrality

The ICC headquarters shall reside in Cadence, a small city-state specifically constructed for and ceded permanently to ICC jurisdiction by the Second Lilaris Empire. Cadence is neutral ground, governed exclusively by the ICC Charter and independent from national sovereignty.

1.2 Jurisdiction

The ICC has jurisdiction over individuals accused of crimes committed:

• On the territory of member states.
• By citizens of member states.
• When referred by special international mandate or unanimous vote by member states.

The Court’s jurisdiction is complementary: it intervenes only when national jurisdictions fail to prosecute or are unwilling or unable to prosecute effectively.

Article 2: Organizational Structure

2.1 Judicial Panel

The ICC convenes on a per-case basis. For each case:

• A single Judicial Panel of five (5) justices is formed.
• Justices are selected from qualified legal experts nominated by member states and confirmed by majority vote of all member states.
• The court prefers that only one justice per member nation shall serve on a single case. No more than two justices per nation shall ever serve on a single case to ensure impartiality.

Article 3: Procedures

3.1 Notification and Initiation of Cases

• Cases are initiated solely by referral from a member state.
• All member states shall be immediately notified upon case initiation.

3.2 Conduct of Trials

• Trials are public, transparent, and adhere strictly to fairness and impartiality.
• Defendants have rights to defense counsel, presumption of innocence, and interpretation services.
• Witnesses and evidence follow clear protection and admissibility guidelines.

3.3 Appeals

• The Judicial Panel's decisions are final, with appeals allowed only based on procedural irregularities or substantial new evidence.
• Appeals are reviewed by a newly formed Judicial Panel.

3.4 Enforcement and Sentencing

• ICC relies on member states for enforcement of sentences.
• Sentencing includes imprisonment, exile, fines, restitution, or sanctions.
• All member states are obliged to assist in enforcing ICC rulings, including the apprehension of indicted individuals. However, any military or forceful enforcement actions against non-member states require 2/3 consent by all member states.

Article 4: Member State Commitments

• All members must extradite indicted individuals promptly.
• Members shall cooperate fully, providing evidence, witnesses, and investigative support.
• Members commit to neutrality and non-aggression regarding ICC matters.

Article 5: Amendments and Expansion

• Amendments or expansions require two-thirds majority approval by member states.

Article 6: Ratification and Implementation

• Nations ratify by official government decree or legislative approval, signaling binding ICC jurisdiction commitment.