Introduction and legal context

An effective and prevention-focused response to terrorism should include a strong criminal justice element: one that is guided by a normative legal framework and embedded in the core principles of the rule of law, due process and respect for human rights. Perpetrators of terrorist acts as defi ned in the universal legal instruments against terrorism are criminals, and they should therefore be dealt with by the criminal justice process as it is the most appro priate and fair mechanism to ensure that justice is achieved and that the rights of the accused are protected. In addition to this core function, criminal justice approaches to terrorism also provide for effective prevention mechanisms, including interventions that target the funding of terrorists and terrorist organizations and allow for the interception of conspiracies to commit attacks and the prohibition of incitement to terrorism.

Related Subject(s): International Law and Justice