The Lubanga case is cited as an example of resource inefficiency in international criminal justice. In which court did this case occur?

• A. International Court of Justice
• B. European Court of Human Rights
• C. International Criminal Court
• D. Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Answer: (C)

This question tests knowing where the Lubanga case was heard. The Lubanga case, Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, was brought before the International Criminal Court, the permanent court established by the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It was the ICC’s first case and was heard in The Hague. The example is used to illustrate the resource demands and complexity typical of ICC proceedings, including long pre-trial and trial phases and substantial legal teams and investigations. The other courts listed serve different roles: the International Court of Justice settles disputes between states, while the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights handle regional human rights issues and do not try individuals for international crimes.