U.S. Immunity from the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court was created to take appropriate action in the even that authorities within a nation fail to prosecute series crimes against humanity, such as atrocities during war, genocide, and other violations of human rights committed within the nation's jurisdiction. The U.S. refused to ratify the treaty setting up this court unless American troops are exempt from the ICC's jurisdiction. Critics of the U.S. position argue that the U.S.'s stance undermines the credibility of the court. However, supporters of the U.S. stance argue that agreeing to the ICC having jurisdiction over U.S. troops could result in politically motivated prosecutions of U.S.troops, diplomats, and political officials before the ICC.