THE INFLUENCE OF LEIPZIG TRIALS ON THE CONCEPT OF INDIVIDUAL CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

The main aim of presented scientific paper is to outline the importance of International Criminal Justice and Individual Criminal Responsibility. The principle of international criminal responsibility was not always of the same content. It has changed with the development of international law and is one of the most important institutions currently aimed at strengthening international peace and security. The necessity of international criminal responsibility for serious breaches of international law is caused by the importance of human values. The paper discusses grave breaches committed during First World War and their legal consequences. According to treaty of Versailles, war criminals would be tried before the military tribunal comprised of judges from the country in which the crime occurred. The idea of an international court administering justice to war criminals appeared noble, but there was no unified position between the Allies on the specific issues. This was the main reason why Germans insisted to bring to trial all war criminals in German Court under the German Legislation. Author reviews several significant cases held in Leipzig Court and according to decisions assess the deterrent effect of the trials, their impact on the further development of international humanitarian law, international criminal justice and on the concept of individual criminal responsibility.