An Introduction to Transnational Criminal Law

• A comprehensive introduction to this rapidly developing area of international law
• Examines the multilateral treaty provisions that oblige states to criminalise a broad range of offences from piracy and terrorism to drug trafficking
• Detailed analysis of the establishment of jurisdiction over these crimes and various ways in which it can be enforced
• Truly global perspective, using a range of examples of national law from all over the world

The suppression of cross-border criminal activity has become a major global concern. An Introduction to Transnational Criminal Law examines how states, acting together, are responding to these forms of criminality through a combination of international treaty obligations and national criminal laws. Multilateral 'suppression conventions' oblige states parties to criminalise a broad range of activities including drug trafficking, terrorism, transnational organised crime, corruption, and money laundering, and to provide for different types of international procedural cooperation like extradition and mutual legal assistance in regard to these offences. Usually regarded as a sub-set of international criminal justice, this system of law is beginning to receive greater attention as a subject in its own right as the scale of the criminal threat and the complexity of synergyzing the criminal laws of different states is more fully understood. 

The book is divided into three parts. Part A asks and attempts to answer what is transnational crime and what is transnational criminal law? Part B explores a selection of substantive transnational crimes from piracy through to cybercrime. Part C examines the main procedural mechanisms involved in establishing jurisdiction and then the exercise of jurisdiction through the effective investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes. Finally, Part D looks at the implementation of transnational criminal law and the prospects for transnational criminal justice. Until recently this system of law has been largely the domain of professionals. An Introduction to Transnational Criminal Law provides a comprehensive introduction designed to fill that gap.

Readership: Students and scholars of transnational crimes, including terrorism, organized crime, drugs, and human trafficking; members of international organisations and government officials dealing with international cooperation against crime; private practitioners with an interest in transnational crime