When Interpol Comes Calling…™

Special Court of Sierra Leone

Jurisdiction
By statute, the Special Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL) may prosecute individuals responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since November 30, 1996. By statute, the SCSL and the Sierra Leonean national courts have concurrent jurisdiction. However, the SCSL has primacy.

Subject Matter Jurisdiction
The SCSL may try a case brought under any of the crimes listed in its statute and certain crimes under Sierra Leonean law.
Temporal Jurisdiction
The SCSL may exercise jurisdiction over any crimes committed since November 30, 1996.
Personal Jurisdiction
The SCSL may prosecute any natural individual over 15 years of age at the time the crime was committed.
Territorial Jurisdiction
The SCSL may investigate and try cases concerning events occurred in the territory of Sierra Leone.

SCSL Crimes The SCSL may not investigate, indict, or try an individual for crimes not specified in its statute. There are two international, statutory crimes named in the SCSL statute: war crimes and crimes against humanity. There are also several crimes under Sierra Leonean law specified in the statute: Abuse of girls and destruction of property.

War Crimes

Crimes Against Humanity

Offences Relating to the Abuse of Girls Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Act, 1926

Offences Relating to the Wanton Destruction of Property Under the Malicious Damage Act, 1861

Laws and Rules
Statute of the Special Court (01/16/2002)
Rules of Procedure and Evidence (as amended 05/14/2005)
Rules of Detention (as amended 05/14/2005)
Directive on the Assignment of Counsel (10/01/2003)
Completion Strategy (05/18/2005)
Decisions and Judgments