Understanding the International Criminal Court

21. What is the role of the Trial Chambers?

Once an arrest warrant is issued, the alleged perpetrator arrested and the charges confirmed by a Pre-

Trial Chamber, the Presidency constitutes a Trial Chamber composed of three judges to try the case.

A Trial Chamber’s primary function is to ensure that trials are fair and expeditious and are conducted

with full respect for the rights of the accused and due regard for the protection of the victims and the

witnesses. It also rules on the participation of victims at the trial stage.

The Trial Chamber determines whether an accused is innocent or guilty of the charges and, if he or she

is found guilty, may impose a sentence of imprisonment for a specified number of years not exceeding

a  maximum  of  thirty  years  or  life  imprisonment.  Financial  penalties  may  also  be  imposed.  A  Trial

Chamber may thus order a convicted person to make reparations for the harm suffered by the victims,

including compensation, restitution or rehabilitation.