Criminal Justice Practice Exam 2025 - Free Criminal Justice Practice Questions and Study Guide

Universal jurisdiction allows states to prosecute serious crimes regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the perpetrators or victims. War crimes are a prime example of offenses that can fall under universal jurisdiction due to their severity and the threat they pose to the international community's peace and security. These crimes, including genocide, torture, and crimes against humanity, are considered so grave that they warrant jurisdiction by any state to ensure accountability and justice, transcending national boundaries. The principle is rooted in the idea that some acts are so abhorrent that they affect all of humanity, thus justifying actions against the offenders regardless of their location.

In contrast, theft, traffic violations, and minor drug offenses do not rise to the level of seriousness that would typically invoke universal jurisdiction. These crimes are primarily dealt with under national laws and do not carry the same implications for international justice and security. This distinction highlights the nature of war crimes as severe violations of international law.