David Stoelting papers, 1994-2012
Collection context
- Creator:
- Stoelting, David
- Abstract:
- The David Stoelting papers focus on events leading to the adoption of the 1998 Rome Statute creating the International Criminal Court ("ICC") and the early years of the ICC's operation. It also includes materials related to task forces and committees of lawyers examining the post-9/11 war on terror, military commissions, and the issue of solitary confinement and international human rights. Three boxes relate to Stoelting's research on Africa and the ad hoc tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
- Extent:
- 37.2 Linear Feet (10 document boxes and 26 record cartons)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The Stoelting papers contain documentation on the development and early operation of the ICC, but also includes materials on ad hoc international criminal tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, and documentation of Stoelting's work with a number of American Bar Association and New York City Bar Association committees and task forces focused on the ICC and the post-9/11 war on terror. The International Criminal Court has been a central structure in the implementation and application of international human rights law and international criminal justice. Founded through the adoption of the 1998 Rome Statute, which entered into force in 2002, the ICC has jurisdiction over the investigation and prosecution of individuals for international crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. Stoelting's papers provide unique documentation of the processes surrounding the founding and operation of the ICC, especially the advocacy roles of the American Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. Stoelting was also centrally involved in the creation and early years of the International Criminal Bar, an organization created to train and support defense counsel and the rights of defendants before the ICC.
International non-governmental human rights organizations (including those whose records RBML holds, i.e. Human Rights Watch and the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights) were directly involved in the establishment of the ICC, which was seen as an important structural element of the modern human rights movement, especially in the wakes of the genocides in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda. This collection documents the networks and collaboration across the human rights movement in the establishment of the ICC. Part of that advocacy concerned the position of the United States, which signed the Rome Treaty in 2000 but never ratified it and has offered varying levels of criticism and support over the years to the prosecutorial work of the ICC.
Stoelting's collection also includes boxes of materials related to task forces and committees of lawyers examining the post 9/11 war on terror, military commissions, and the issue of solitary confinement and international human rights. Three boxes related to Stoelting's research on Africa and on ad hoc tribunals in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda are also included.
- Biographical / historical:
-
David Stoelting (b. 1958) is a trial lawyer based in New York City. For several decades, Stoelting was involved in various capacities with the creation of the ICC and with efforts to create support for the ICC in the United States. Since the 1980s, Stoelting has also written and lectured on topics including terrorism, military tribunals, international criminal justice and human rights, solitary confinement and African politics.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Material is unprocessed. Boxes 9 and 10 can be made available without further review. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); David Stoelting papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu