HHJ Joanna Korner CMG QC Elected as Judge of the International Criminal Court

On 18 December 2020, past Guernica 37 International Justice Chambers Advisory Board member, Her Honour Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC was elected as Judge of the International Criminal Court for the period 2021-2030.

Judge Korner brings a wealth of experience to the role, having prosecuted at the highest levels both domestically in the UK, and internationally, including as lead prosecutor in three trials of political and military leaders charged with genocide and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Judge Korner was the United Kingdom’s candidate for the International Criminal Court’s judicial elections in December 2020.

Judge Korner has years of experience as both a part-time and full-time judge domestically in the UK, presiding over Crown Court trials since 2012, dealing with the most serious and complex of offences including Fraud and Murder.

Judge Korner was previously a Senior Prosecuting Trial Attorney for the ICTY, for a total of eight years, leading multi-national and multi-disciplinary teams trying cases of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity.

Further, Judge Korner has been at the forefront of legal training across the world, assisting with the management of complex trials, and principles in international criminal law.

Her expertise and experience within the international sphere therefore is significant.

Judge Korner previously sat on the Advisory Board of Guernica 37 International Justice Chambers, and has supported Chambers and its members since its creation.

All members of Chambers are of course disappointed that she stepped down from the board before pursuing her appointment; however, we are delighted and proud that it is to take a position at the International Criminal Court, where we are certain that her skills, her strengths, and her expertise will be keenly felt as the Court moves forward and continues to develop.

Justice and the Rule of Law is Judge Korner’s passion and thus the essential work undertaken by the ICC can only be enhanced with this recent appointment.

Following her appointment Judge Korner stated:

I am delighted and deeply honoured to have been elected as an International Criminal Court judge. My thanks to the States Parties who supported my campaign. I will work with colleagues to promote a fair and efficient Court, fight against impunity and, crucially, help victims achieve justice

Dominic Raab, The UK Foreign Secretary, has stated:

I am delighted that the UK candidate, Judge Joanna Korner, has been elected to serve on the International Criminal Court. The ICC has an important role to play in bringing to justice those responsible for the very worst crimes, and Judge Korner’s expertise, experience and vision will reinforce the ICC at this pivotal moment.