Who will be tried and what kinds of sentences might the court pass?
Anyone who is suspected of an offence over which the Court has jurisdiction can be brought to trial. They could be ordinary soldiers, officers, members of militias or rebel groups and politicians, including heads of government or heads of state. The Court cannot hear cases against States themselves, but only against individuals. Sentences include imprisonment, which may be life imprisonment, and fines. The Court can also order the forfeiting of proceeds and property derived from a crime. The Court does not have the power to impose the death sentence, even for the worst of crimes. States can themselves refer cases for investigation by the Court. But the Court Prosecutor also has the power to begin investigations, without the need for referral. This is important because, in the past, some states have been reluctant or unable to prosecute, sometimes because of fears of further conflict or even because no satisfactory government exists. The United Nations Security Council can also refer a
