The International Criminal Court and Catholic Social Doctrine

John M. Czarnetzky

doi:10.21697/CSP.2020.24.1.20

Published: 2020-05-27

No. 24 (2020)

The International Criminal Court and Catholic Social Doctrine

John M. Czarnetzky

Christianity-World-Politics

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2020.24.1.20

Abstract

The International Criminal Court was the result of decades of postwar pressure to establish a permanent tribunal with jurisdiction over the most heinous crimes against humanity. Despite the noble goals of its architects, the ICC has not been effective in prosecuting such crimes. The author argues that the reasons for the Court’s ineffectiveness were apparent from its inception due to the flawed view of the human person and society that is at the foundation of the Court. Using the insights of Catholic Social Doctrine, this article dissects the erroneous social anthropology, which is the basis for the Court’s design, and suggests possible correctives based on a correct understanding of the human person and human society.

Keywords:

International Criminal Court, Catholic Social Doctrine, human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, common good, Rome Statute

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Czarnetzky, J. M. (2020). The International Criminal Court and Catholic Social Doctrine. Christianity-World-Politics, (24), 52–64. https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2020.24.1.20

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John M. Czarnetzky

burgonski@onet.eu

Affiliation:

University of Mississippi School of Law United States

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

John M. Czarnetzky is Professor of Law and the Mitchell McNutt & Sams Lecturer (University of Mississippi School of Law). He serves as a legal adviser to the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations, along with Professor Rychlak. In that capacity, he has represented the Holy See in negotiations including the establishment of the International Criminal Court and several international treaties, including one on the rights of persons with disabilities. Professor Czarnetzky’s scholarly interests are bankruptcy, commercial and international law, the last growing out of his work with the Holy See. Professor Czarnetzky has published in several law journals, including Notre Dame Law Review, Fordham Law Review and Arizona State Law Journal. Professor Czarnetzky’s scholarship also has explored the intersection of Catholic social theory and American corporate and commercial law.