Rome Statute
Part 3: General Principles of Criminal Law

Article Art. 22
Nullum crimen sine lege

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.

Source: Article 22 — Nullum crimen sine lege, https://www.­icc-cpi.­int/Publications/Rome-Statute.­pdf (accessed May 26, 2025).

Verified

May 26, 2025

Art. 22’s source at icc-cpi​.int