"But Maybe Not That Well" International Justice Works

In recent days, President Barack Obama has applauded efforts to bring former Serb Gen. Ratko Mladic and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi before international courts.

It's another indication his administration is more willing than its predecessors to promote the role of international justice in prosecuting those accused of gross human rights abuses. But don't expect the U.S. to sign up to the International Criminal Court anytime soon.

The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of aggression and genocide. It was set up at an international conference in 1998 and came into being in 2002. Since then, 115 states have ratified the treaty though the United States, Russia, China and Israel are not among them.

Its very existence has long been a combustible issue in the United States. President Clinton signed the treaty establishing the ICC on January 3, 2000 the last day it was open for signature. But at the same time he said he would "not recommend that my successor submit the treaty to the Senate" saying "the United States should have the chance to observe and assess the functioning of the court before choosing to become subject to its jurisdiction."