Digest of Jurisprudence of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, 2003-2005

The Special Court for Sierra Leone was created in 2002 to prosecute “persons who bear the greatest responsibility” for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law in Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996. It started delivering decisions in March 2003 and should complete its work by the end of 2007.The present Digest is a collection of the most relevant abstracts of decisions and orders rendered by Chambers – Trial Chambers, Appeals Chamber, President – between March 2003 and 31 December 2005. 548 public decisions have been reviewed for its preparation. The abstracts have been selected on the basis of their relevance to the interpretation and application of the Statute and Rules of Procedure and Evidence or of their importance in the development of international criminal law. This Digest is devised as a tool for practitioners of international law and academics, which will assist them in discovering the substantial work of the Special Court.