Ida Rose Nininger, Butler University
“Genocide in International Criminal Law”
Bio: Ida Rose Nininger is a native of Newbury, Vermont. In May 2009 she will graduate from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, a Secondary Major in Music, with Pre-Law. She spent the spring semester of 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland studying International Relations and Organizations, Social Justice, International Law, and French through the School for International Training. This program provided access to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) facilities and many of its resources and professionals. In addition to living in Switzerland, Ida has traveled throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, and South America. She is an accomplished pianist, and has performed extensively in solo, music theater, accompanying, and chamber music venues including Revels North’ Christmas Revels production, and the Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival. Ida intends to seek a Juris Doctor in International Law and pursue a career in International Criminal Law.
Abstract: The body of international criminal law has been growing rapidly over the past century along with globalization. The crime of genocide, a term coined to express the horror of the Holocaust, has since its inscription into international criminal law acquired an emotional significance embraced by the public and the media that has deviated from the legal functionality of the word. In order to better facilitate global justice, the true legal connotations of genocide must be understood, and a more expedient path to criminal conviction found. Today, the remedies and enforcement for crimes against humanity and genocide are distinct only as regards the convicted criminal's responsibility. This is important because prosecuting crimes against humanity is considerably more expedient than prosecuting genocide. Therefore, because provisions for reparation and punishment in place do not distinguish between these two, it is important that the international community recognize the equal power and greater affects of utilizing crimes against humanity in advocacy and prevention.
