Citizens for Global Solutions U.S. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT PEACE AND SECURITY   PEACE OPERATIONS LAW AND JUSTICE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
U.S. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT | Zogby, CCFR: Int'l Law/ICC    
INTERNATIONAL LAW/INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

CCFR:
"Similarly, the public and leaders favor U.S. participation in the nuclear test ban treaty, the treaty banning the use of land mines, the Kyoto agreement to reduce global warming, and the International Criminal Court (ICC). They additionally support the trial of international terrorists in the ICC and the United States making a general commitment to accept World Court decisions."

Zogby: "... by more than two to one (55% vs. 21%) respondents believe the US should sign on as a participant in the International Criminal Court...One in five (20%) say they are not familiar with the International Criminal Court"

Poll Results

CCFR Question 5/4:  Based on what you know, do you think the U.S. should or should not participate in the following treaties and agreements . . .?  The agreement on the International Criminal Court that can try individuals for war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity if their own country won’t try them.

Leaders:
70% Should Participate
25% Should Not Participate
(5% increase in support for participation from 2002)

Public:
76% Should Participate
19% Should Not Participate

CCFR Question 50/4:  In order to combat international terrorism, please say whether you favor or oppose each of the following measures.  Trial of suspected terrorists in an International Criminal Court.

Leaders:
80% Favor
17% Oppose
(6% increase in support from 2002)

Public:
82% Favor
13% Oppose

Zogby Question 40:  Please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with each of the following statements, or you are not familiar enough to make a judgment. Statement A says the U.S. should ratify the creation of the International Criminal Court that enforces a set of standards against war criminals. By signing on, the U.S. brings its moral voice to this court and takes a strong stand against serious violations of human rights, as in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Rwanda.
Statement B argues that U.S. participation in the International Court ties the hands of the U.S. on matters that it should be free to decide upon unilaterally. In addition, the Court could be used against U.S. interests or allies, and thus could be a detriment against U.S. peace efforts.

51% Statement A
34% Statement B
15% Neither/Not sure

CCFR Question 20: The World Court is part of the United Nations. It makes rulings on disputes between countries based on treaties the countries have signed. There is a debate about whether countries should give the World Court more power by making a general commitment to accept the decisions of the World Court or restrict the power of the Court by deciding on a case-by-case basis whether they will accept the Court's decisions. Do you think the U.S. should or should not make the general commitment to accept the decisions of the World Court?

Leaders:
48% Should
42% Should Not

Public:
57% Should Participate
35% Should Not Participate

Last Updated October 17, 2005

+ TAKE ACTION

LINKS
Links to other website highlighting polls and research on American public opinion on U.S. global engagement

TELL A FRIEND CONTACT HOME