Crimes against Humanity

Larry May is Professor of Philosophy at Washington University, St Louis.

• Part I. Universal Norms and Moral Minimalism: 1. Introduction; 2. Jus cogens norms; 3. Custom, opinio juris, and consent; Part II. Principles of International Criminal Law: 4. The security principle; 5. The international harm principle; 6. International crime: the case of rape; Part III. Prosecuting International Crimes: 7. Prosecuting minor players for crimes against humanity; 8. Prosecuting state leaders for crimes against humanity; 9. Prosecuting genocide amidst widespread complicity; Part IV. Defenses and Alternatives: 10. Superior orders, duress, and moral perception; 11. The international rule of law; 12. Victims and convictions; 13. Reconciliation and amnesty programs.

'Humanity has been much written about, but not crimes against it. This book, which combines insights into moral and social philosophy and law reminds us of the need to translate our professed human values into action to prevent their depredations. It is through such intellectual writings that our conscience is stirred to action.' M. Cherif Bassiouni, DePaul University College of Law