Plea Bargaining at International Criminal Courts

S C H O O L O F L AW M A S A RY K U N I V E R S I T Y T H E O R E T I C A L L E G A L S C I E N C E S C R I M I N A L L A W D E P A R T M E N T ABSTRAC T DI S S E RTAT I O N TH E S I S P L E A B A R G A I N I N G A T I N T E R N A T I O N A L C R I M I N A L C O U R T S M A R K É TA B A RT I Z A L O V Á 2 0 1 6 ABSTRACT The subject of this thesis is the practice of plea bargaining in international criminal courts. The thesis generally deals with functions of international criminal law and goals of international criminal tribunals. Critical analysis of whether use of plea bargaining is compatible with these functions and goals follows. Based on research of existing practice of the courts and disputation on arguments of supporters and critics of plea bargaining, the thesis comes to the conclusion, that even though plea bargaining might, in some cases, prove itself as a useful tool for international justice, it remains highly controversial and must be used with the highest caution. If used inappropriately it very easy may cause much damage a may have fatal impact on evaluation of the practice of international criminal tribunals, their legitimacy, and together with that on evolution of international criminal law in general. KEY WORDS international criminal law, plea bargaining, international criminal tribunals,..