Isn't It Time the U.S. Joins the International Criminal Court? February 24, 2010

The International Criminal Court is almost ten years old. Fears of the U.S. that it would be a politicized institution likely to prosecute American Servicemen have not been realized, nor has it been effective in prosecuting persons responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity or deterring such crimes. Its relationship to the Security Council of the United Nations in determining when acts of aggression have occurred also remains unsettled. In recent years the U.S. has moderated its hostility to the court. However, the Obama Administration has yet to decide whether it’s time for the U.S. to join the court.

William H. Taft, IV was the Co-Chair of an independent task force sponsored by the American Society of International Law that issued a report on U.S. policy toward the court in 2009. Join the discussion on whether we should join the Court or not.

A networking reception begins at 5:30 p.m.

Register online at www.commonwealthclub.org, or call: 415-597-6700.