This book examines the rapid development of the fundamental concept of a crime in international criminal law from a comparative law perspective. In this context, particular thought has been given to the catalyzing impact of the criminal law theory that has developed in major world legal systems upon the crystallization of the substantive part of international criminal law. This study offers a critical overview of international and domestic jurisprudence with regard to the construal of the concept of a crime (actus reus, mens rea, defences, modes of liability) and exposes roots of confusion in international criminal law through a comprehensive comparative analysis of substantive criminal laws in selected legal jurisdictions.

Comprehensive comparative law analysis of substantive criminal laws in selected common law (UK, USA) and continental law jurisdictions (Germany, France, Russia, Denmark) The most up-to-date analysis of the jurisprudence of the ad hoc tribunals and International Criminal Court in regards to the interpretation of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and modes of criminal liability attached thereto Impact of comparative criminal law on the development of the substantive part of international criminal law Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras