Lessons from the Saddam Trial. Trying Saddam: An Insider's Perspective
Date of Event
10-6-2006
Description
October 6, 2006 Presented by: Frederick K. Cox International Law Center Summary: War Crimes Research Symposium Dedication of the Archives of the U.N. War Crimes Commission for the former Yugoslavia, donated by Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni, Chairman of the Commission Welcome and Introduction by Professor Michael Scharf, Case School of Law Trying Saddam: An Insider's Perspective" by Samir Sumaidaie, Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Billed by the international media as the "real trial of the century," the televised proceedings in the first case before the Iraqi High Tribunal were punctuated by gripping testimony of atrocities, controversial judicial rulings, assassinations of defense counsel, resignation of judges, scathing outbursts, allegations of mistreatment by the defendants, hunger strikes, and even underwear appearances. Was it a mistake to try Saddam in Baghdad before a panel of Iraqi judges? Was the Iraqi High Tribunal a legitimate judicial institution? Were the proceedings fundamentally fair? Did the judges react properly to the defendants attempts to derail the proceedings? Was the media coverage of the trial comprehensive and accurate? And what are the lessons for future war crimes trials? These questions will be addressed in a unique day-long symposium, one week before the judges announce their verdict in the Dujail Trial.
Lecture Series
Frederick K. Cox International Law Center
Subject Headings
Saddam Hussein trial; Iraqi High Tribunal; international criminal law; war crimes; crimes against humanity; crimes against peace
Document Type
Video
Recommended Citation
Sumaidaie, Samir, "Lessons from the Saddam Trial. Trying Saddam: An Insider's Perspective" (2006). Conferences and Symposia. 270.
https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/law_videos_general/270