ABSTRACT
The Diplomatic Conference that adopted the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court completed a drafting process than began in 1994, or 1989, or 1948, or 1937 and perhaps even before, depending on one's perspective. The treaty will enter into force when sixty accessions, approvals, acceptances or ratifications have been deposited. The Rome Statute remains open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters until December 31, 2000. Signatory States may ratify, accept or approve the Statute by depositing instruments to this effect with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. States intending to sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to the Rome Statute should undertake a thorough examination of their own domestic legislation. States will require legislation enabling them to arrest and detain persons sought by the Court, and furthermore to facilitate their "surrender". The principle of complementarity recognizes that States themselves have priority over the International Criminal Court in the prosecution of offenders.
