This compendium investigates the legal framework and judicial application governing international crimes, specifically focusing on the evolution and prosecution of crimes against humanity. Judge Guénaël Mettraux, drawing upon his extensive experience in international criminal tribunals, synthesizes decades of jurisprudence to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal standards that define these offenses. The work serves as a systematic examination of how international law is interpreted and applied across various national and international jurisdictions.

Legal scholars and practitioners regard this work as a foundational resource due to its exhaustive coverage of case law and judicial reasoning. The text is noted for its high level of academic density and is primarily intended for legal professionals, researchers, and students of international criminal law.