The case of the Khmers Rouges illustrates the need for a permanent international criminal court, though the court now being planned will not be able to deal with crimes committed before its creation.

ECONOMIST: Try the Khmers Rouges

The government of the United States, the moving spirit behind Nuremberg, is today the main opponent to the creation of a permanent international criminal court, and is fighting to win exemption for itself alone from the court's jurisdiction.

ECONOMIST: War-crimes tribunals: Their time has come | The

Establishing a permanent international criminal court to handle the most difficult and egregious cases also now looks more urgent than ever.

ECONOMIST: The Law Lords and the General | The