Unit 6: ICC

When I first taught this unit the Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court had just come out and I participated in a one day workshop that had introduced this film among others to be used in teaching about war crimes and tribunals. Since then PBS and Facing History have developed some excellent resources utilizing the film and interviews. The key is to get students to think about two key questions as a culmination of the course What is the purpose of international law by questions whether or not the United States Join the International Criminal Court.

Activity 1: 

Opening: Begin the unit by asking students to List at least 5 rules that they have to follow in school. After students share out begin a discussion with the class centered on the following questions: 

1. What would happen if these rules did not exist?

2. How do these rules help to ensure that school will be a safe and orderly place to learn?

Vocabulary:

Anarchy - a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority

Impunity - exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

Rule of Law – people agree to govern their behaviors according to a certain set of laws. (rule of law the restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws.)

In order to define rule of law it would worth while to discuss certain examples and key questions about the idea: 

1. What happens when there is a break down in the “rule of law”?

- KKK attacks, urban riots

- Can lead to anarchy, disregard for human rights, disorder and insecurity

2. To whom should the rule of law apply? How about high ranking government officials?

3. But who is to hold them accountable?

Activity 2:

Introducing the ICC

Watch Video Clip 1: The Establishment of the ICC

1. What increased demand for a global system of justice?

2. What was the purpose of the July 1998 Rome Conference?

3. At the Rome Conference, what concerns did some countries express about establishing the International Criminal Court?

4. What was the outcome of the Rome Conference?

5. Do you think there is a need for a global system of justice like the ICC? Why or why not?

Activity 3: 

Introduce the Rome Statue

Opening: Ask students to reflect on what are the benefits or downsides of an international court of justice? 

Read the Rome Statute and Discuss its Implications.

Watch Video Clip 2: 

The Court and the US

Should the United States Join the ICC? As students watch the film and read John Bolton and Benjamin Ferencz’s statements about the ICC they should take notes on arguments in favor of and against joining the ICC. (This can be done in the form of a T chart either handed out with instructions or simply written by students in their notebooks).

Activity 4: 

Read John Bolton and David Scheffer arguments.

Answer questions

Add to opposing viewpoints.

Activity 5: 

Final Task: Policy Presentation to the President 

In “policy teams” of three, students will present a case in favor or against the United States joining the other 66 countries that are a part of the International Criminal Court. Their presentation to President Obama should be at least three minutes in length, and about two typed pages. In their presentation, students should establish three reasons in favor of their position. They should make sure to identify any opposing views that may be raised by others.

Policy Presentations to President Barak Obama:

Should the US join the ICC? 

In pairs you will be assigned a position to present to the president as to whether or not the US should join the ICC. Your presentation should be about 2 pages written and 2-3 minutes long. You must also make sure to use the following three words somewhere in your presentation: Rule of Law, Impunity, and Sovereignty. 

The following should help you outline your presentation: 

Opening: Dear President Obama, 

Grabber: Grab your reader’s attention with a question or critical information 

Background: Explain why you are offering this policy proposal. Convince him why he should take the time to read it. 

State your Case: Be direct, tell the president whether you are for or against the US joining the ICC. 

Argue the facts: 

Explain the Opposing Viewpoint: What major point do you think the opposing side may argue? Tell the president why are they wrong? 

Your Position: Offer two points to argue in favor of your position. 

* You can use quotes from the text we read together in class to support your points. Just remember to give credit where credit is due (no need cite, just credit). 

Ending: End with one or two sentences that leave a lasting impression 

Sign out: Thank the president for his time and sign-off.