The ICC is a permanent international institution established by treaty for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting individuals who commit the most serious crimes of international concern, namely, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The ICC is a treaty-based institution that is binding only on its signatories. The ICC's exercise of its jurisdiction is complementary to that of the national legal systems of its states parties. After discussing the need for and the characteristics of the ICC, this book considers the jurisdiction of the ICC. Topics covered are preconditions to the exercise of jurisdiction, when the ICC may exercise jurisdiction, the subjects of criminal responsibility, and the crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC. Other chapters focus on invoking the court's jurisdiction and the court's exercise of jurisdiction. The organization and operation of the court are discussed in another chapter. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is presented.