Crimes Against Humanity is the first booklength treatment of the philosophical foundations of international criminal law. Its focus is on the moral, legal, and political questions that arise when individuals who commit collective crimes, such as crimes against humanity, are held accountable by international criminal tribunals. These tribunals challenge one of the most sacred perogatives of states - sovereignty - breaches of which can be justified only in limited circumstances, following what the author calls a minimalist account" of the justification of international prosecution." "Crimes Against Humanity will appeal to anyone with an interest in international law, political philosophy, international relations, and human rights theory.". - Съдържа: A. Universal norms and moral minimalism -- Jus cogens norms -- Custom, opinio juris, and consent -- B. Principles of international criminal law -- The security principle -- The international harm principle -- International crime: the case of rape -- C. Prosecuting international crimes -- Prosecuting ''minor players'' for crimes against humanity -- Prosecuting state leaders for crimes against humanity -- Prosecuting genocide amidst widespread complicity -- D. Defenses and alternatives -- Superior orders, duress, and moral perception -- The international rule of law -- Victims and convictions -- Reconciliation and amnesty programs.*