Universal jurisdiction and South Africa's perspective on the investigation of international crimes

Abstract

Universal jurisdiction is an important yet contentious jurisdictional principle in international law, despite more than 100 states worldwide having universal jurisdiction legislation (Amnesty International Universal Jurisdiction: A Preliminary Survey of Legislation Around the World (2012) 1-2). The principle has dominated discussions at both the international and African regional levels, with many voicing practical, political and policy concerns with regard to its application.