A conviction in question : the first trial at the International Criminal Court

"An engrossing narrative of the first case to appear at the International Criminal Court, 'A Conviction in Question' documents the trial of Union of Congolese Patriots leader and warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. Although Lubanga's crimes - including murder, rape, and the forcible conscription of child soldiers - were indisputable, legal wrangling and a clash of personalities caused the trial to be prolonged for an unprecedented six years. This book offers an accessible account of the rapid evolution of international law and the controversial trial at the foundation of the International Criminal Court. A Conviction in Question examines the legal issues behind each of the trial's critical moments, including the participation of Lubanga's victims at the trial and the impact of witness protection. Through eye-witness observation and analysis, Jim Freedman shows that the trial suffered from all the problems associated with ordinary criminal law trials, and uses the Lubanga case to further comment on the role of international courts in a contemporary global context."--Book jacket. Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-212) and index. xviii, 219 pages : map ; 24 cm.