H.R.23 - Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.23, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, aims to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and individuals associated with it, specifically concerning investigations, arrests, or prosecutions of protected persons of the United States and its allies. The bill rescinds funds appropriated for the ICC and prohibits future appropriations. It asserts that the ICC has no legitimacy or jurisdiction over the United States or its allies who have not consented to ICC jurisdiction or are not state parties to the Rome Statute.
Expected Effects
The act would likely strain relationships with countries that support the ICC and could hinder international cooperation on various issues. It may also protect U.S. and allied individuals from potential ICC investigations, but at the cost of isolating the U.S. from international legal norms. The sanctions could deter the ICC from pursuing cases involving U.S. persons or allies, but may also be viewed as an overreach of U.S. sovereignty.
Potential Benefits
- Protects U.S. and allied personnel from potential ICC prosecution.
- Reinforces U.S. sovereignty by rejecting ICC jurisdiction without U.S. consent.
- Potentially deters the ICC from investigating or prosecuting U.S. persons or allies.
- Aligns with the American Servicemembers' Protection Act.
- May strengthen relationships with allies who share similar concerns about the ICC.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could damage U.S. relationships with ICC member states and other international partners.
- May undermine international efforts to hold individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Could set a precedent for other countries to disregard international legal institutions.
- May be viewed as an attempt to shield individuals from legitimate scrutiny.
- The broad definition of 'protected person' could lead to unintended consequences and overreach.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The act's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to enact laws, including those related to foreign policy (Article I, Section 8). However, some may argue that the act infringes upon the President's power to conduct foreign relations. The act does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision, but its impact on international law and cooperation could be debated in terms of its overall effect on the nation's interests.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).