Acts of violence Quote by Richard A. Falk
“It would not be desirable to include 'terrorism' among international crimes subject to International Criminal Court jurisdiction if defined to apply only to anti-state acts of violence. The failure to include terrorism as a distinct crime was due to the inability to agree upon its proper definition.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: International Law Conference, 2015
He argues terrorism should not be classified as an international crime under the ICC because definitions are contested and limited to anti‑state violence.
In simple terms: Terrorism isn’t included in ICC crimes due to definition problems.
Clarify terrorism’s legal definition before jurisdiction.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- court deliberations
- academic debates
- legislative sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a consensus definition be reached?
- What are the risks of omitting terrorism?
Excluding terrorism may leave victims without recourse.