Policy paper

Introductory letter: United Kingdom’s candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC) judicial election in December 2020: Her Honour Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC

Published 5 June 2020

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

I am delighted to introduce myself as the United Kingdom’s candidate for this year’s International Criminal Court judicial election. I welcome this opportunity to set out what I can bring to the Court, and my vision for it going forward.

I believe that an effective International Criminal Court remains vital in the fight against impunity and holding to account those accused of the most serious international crimes. The importance of the court must not be forgotten even at a time when governments, not surprisingly, are concentrating on mitigating the effects of coronavirus. At the same time, the Court faces significant internal and external challenges.

While we come from a variety of legal traditions, we all have one goal, to see justice served. It is my simple belief that if the Court is efficient, acts as envisaged by the drafters of the Rome Statute, and displays the highest standards of professionalism and transparency, its decisions will be respected in all parts of the world.

I believe that I can make a tangible contribution to this goal, which is why I am honoured to be the United Kingdom’s candidate at this important juncture. I have served as a part- and full-time judge for over 26 years and have been sitting on the Crown Court of England and Wales, the highest court of first instance for criminal cases, since 2012. I have presided over some of the most complex criminal cases. I was a Senior Prosecuting Trial Attorney for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia for a total of eight years, where I led multi-national, multi-disciplinary teams trying cases of genocide and crimes against humanity, including against women and children. In 2016 I produced a report for the OSCE on the processing of war crimes at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina and am presently engaged in the production of a follow-up report. These experiences have provided me with the insight and understanding of how the most serious crimes are most effectively tried, as well as with the humility to realise how important it is to draw on the best legal practice of different jurisdictions to achieve this end. With this in mind, for many years I have provided training to colleagues around the world on international criminal law and on managing complex trials. This has given me a real-world appreciation and understanding of common law and civil law traditions and how they may be combined, something that is crucial for judges in international courts.

It is important that the Court has the best judges and I am therefore pleased to be competing against so many worthy counterparts. We share a passion for justice and for the rule of law, and in doing so become a beacon of hope for those whose lives have been irrevocably damaged by criminals who think that they will never be held accountable for their actions. I believe that the greatest strengths that I have to offer are the breadth and relevance of my own experience. My entire career has been focused on the prosecution, defence and trial of criminals. I will use my national and international experience, and my deep knowledge and understanding of different legal traditions, to bring rigorous analysis and organisational skills to the judicial work of the Court. In partnership with other judges, I will work to ensure that our reasoning is of the highest quality and our judgements consistent, and that trials are managed professionally, effectively and efficiently

As an expert in the handling of vulnerable witnesses, particularly those who are victims of alleged sexual violence, you can also rest assured that I will give voice to the victims and treat all who come before the Court with compassion and respect.

I believe that I am the right person for the Court at this critical time and that my contribution can drive it forward, and shape its development and jurisprudence in a positive way.

I am happy to receive any questions you might have, including about my experience and my suitability for the Court. I would also be interested to hear your views on the Court, its future, and what you expect from its judges.

Please contact Anne Jenkins or Eleanor Mattana-Quinn, copying in your local UK government contact, to arrange a virtual meeting or call.

Yours faithfully,

HHJ. Joanna Korner CMG QC