International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Tuesday that Palestinian National Authority (PNA) president Mahmoud Abbas had petitioned the court to exercise jurisdiction over possible war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip, but indicated the tribunal would first have to consider whether the PNA qualifies for statehood under international law before addressing the allegations. Under the ICC's Rome Statute [...]
Some terror suspects living under control orders have managed to maintain contact with terror cells, the UK's counter-terrorism law ombudsman said in his fourth annual report Tuesday. Lord Carlile of Berriew found that even though in most instances a control order cannot be justified for longer than two years because suspects cease to be desirable [...]
The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution encouraging European Union (EU) member states to assist the closure of the the Guantanamo Bay military prison by accepting former prisoners for resettlement. The measure, which passed 542-55 with 51 abstentions, noted that though ultimate responsibility for the inmates lies with the US, EU member states [...]
Vice-chief of US Naval Operations Admiral Patrick Walsh will lead the assessment of operations at the Guantanamo Bay military prison, according to a Tuesday announcement by Pentagon Press Secretary, Geoff Morrell. Walsh was selected by Defense Secretary Robert Gates , to comply with President Barack Obama's January 22 executive order to close the facility within [...]
The European Union (EU) has concerns over the legality of a "Buy American" provision in a US economic stimulus package , according to a letter sent Monday to US officials by European Commission ambassador to Washington John Bruton Bruton also indicated that the EU would be prepared to take legal action if the provision were [...]
South Africa's Pietermaritzburg High Court announced Wednesday that the corruption trial of African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma and arms dealer Thint would be delayed until after the country's presidential election. The agreement calls for Zuma to apply for permanent stay of prosecution on May 18, and oral argument is scheduled for Aug. 25. [...]
The California Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it will hear oral arguments on March 5 in the three cases challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8 , the ballot measure passed in November that banned same-sex marriage. The court issued an order listing the three issues to be briefed and argued as follows: (1) Is Proposition [...]
JURIST Guest Columnist William G. Ross of Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, says that for various constitutional, political and practical reasons made all the more pressing by controversies surrounding a number of high-profile and now even withdrawn nominees, the US Senate should subject President Barack Obama's cabinet picks to a robust confirmation process that [...]
Fourth Report of the Independent Reviewer Pursuant to Section 14(3) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, Lord Carlile of Berriew Q.C., February 3, 2009 . Read the full text of the report . Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.
Snedden v Republic of Croatia, Federal Court of Australia, February 3, 2009, . Read the full text of the judgment. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.
