Our world today is full of terrible crimes that interfere with the happiness and well-being of society every day. Several countries struggle every day against serious crimes that endanger their fellow citizens and their cities. Some people wonder how to deal with such terrible and inhumane acts towards people and societies, every day. To keep the world under control and a safe place against such crimes, the International Criminal Court was first talked about in the 1970s, but it was ratified to start prosecuting cases in July 2002. The International Criminal Court is designed to prosecute and bring justice to those responsible for the worst crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed anywhere in the world (Hebel, n.d.) The ICC, an independent international organization with 122 members, separate from the United Nations system (“Q&A: International Criminal Court,” 2011). This is the court of last resort, based in The Hague, Netherlands, and is only used when national authorities are unable or unwilling to prosecute. The uniqueness of its purpose, structure, jurisdiction, and meaning make its understanding essential for those who study public justice. On July 17, 1998, a conference of 160 states established the first treaty-based permanent international criminal court (Hebel, n.d.). The adopted treaty is known as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It establishes the crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC, the procedural rules, and the mechanisms through which states cooperate with the ICC (Hebel, n.d.). The main ICC court is located in the Netherlands, but ICC proceedings can take place in other parts of the world. The ICC is funded by 122 countries, so... half of the document... d., p.59). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, cengage learning. Frequently asked questions. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/aboutthe court/frequently ask questions/pages/faq.aspx Hebel, H. (n.d.). Understanding the International Criminal Court. Retrieved from http://www.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/PIDS/publications/UICCEng.pdf Questions and Answers: International Criminal Court. (March 2011 11). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11809908Schabas, W. Killing the death penalty. TerraViva. Retrieved from http://www.ips.org/icc/tv010702.htmCourt Structure. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.icc-cpi.int/EN_MENUS/ICC/STRUCTURE OF THE COURT/Pages/structure of the court.aspxVlavonou, G. (2013, October 17). Does politics win over justice?. Retrieved from http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/89287/print