Abstract:
This paper addresses the question of whether hybrid tribunals are generally more
effective than the ad hoc tribunals, their respective advantages and disadvantages as well
as the role of criminal tribunals with respect to the process of reconciliation, stabilisation
and democratisation in a fragile society. It hereby focuses on the Special Court for Sierra
Leone which is put into context with the other tribunals. At first, the paper provides some
background information about the ICTY and the ICTR and outlines their difficulties.
Subsequently the conflict and the creation and structure of the Special Court of Sierra
Leone are examined. Finally, the paper addresses the question of the relationship of the
ICC and the Special Court as well as to what extent the courts legacy efforts have been
successful.