Chapter 3 (515/2003)
General prerequisites for criminal liability
Section 1 (515/2003)
Principle of legality
A person may be found guilty of an offence only on the basis of an act that was specifically punishable under law at the time of its commission.
1. A person shall not be criminally responsible under this Statute unless the conduct in question constitutes, at the time it takes place, a crime within the jurisdiction of the Court.
2. The definition of a crime shall be strictly construed and shall not be extended by analogy. In case of ambiguity, the definition shall be interpreted in favour of the person being investigated, prosecuted or convicted.
3. This article shall not affect the characterization of any conduct as criminal under international law independently of this Statute.