A Global Judicial News Report: April 2026

Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales Sue Carr warned that government plans to reduce jury trials and allow more judge-only trials could pose serious security risks to judges. Read more below. Pictured above: The Royal Court of Justice, London, England (Credit: iStock/pawopa3336)

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

ICC Appeals Chamber Confirms Jurisdiction in Duterte Case

The ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the court’s jurisdiction over former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, rejecting a defense challenge and affirming that the ICC may prosecute alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a State Party. The ruling confirms the case can proceed over alleged crimes against humanity tied to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign between 2011 and 2019. (ICC, 4/22/26) Keep Reading »

ICC Moves Ahead With Disciplinary Proceedings Against Chief Prosecutor

The ICC decided to move forward with disciplinary proceedings against Chief Prosecutor Karm Khan after a UN investigation found a basis for sexual assault allegations. Khan could face a formal vote by all ICC members on whether to remove him. The dispute intensified political tensions around the court and raised concerns about the ICC’s leadership. (The Wall Street Journal, 4/1/26) Keep Reading » 

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

Iceland and the Netherlands Join Expanding ICJ Case Against Israel as Europe Fractures

Iceland and the Netherlands have joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and filed declarations to intervene under Article 63 of the court’s statute. Their participation increased the number of states involved in the suit and evinces growing international interest in how the Genocide Convention should be interpreted in the Gaza conflict.  (The Eastern Herald, 3/27/26) Keep Reading »  

EUROPE

France 🇫🇷

Lafarge Convicted of Financing Terrorist Groups in Landmark Case

A French court convicted cement giant Lafarge and several former executives for financing terrorist groups, including ISIS, to maintain operations in Syria, imposing heavy fines and prison sentences. The case marks the first time a French company has been found guilty of terrorism financing and involves unprecedented sums. (Reuters, 4/13/26) Keep Reading »

Italy 🇮🇹

Italians Reject Judicial Overhaul, Undermining Meloni

Italian voters rejected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s proposed overhaul of the judiciary in a referendum, with about 54% voting against the reforms. The opposition contended that the new proposals undermine judicial independence. The defeat was seen as a significant setback that could weaken her government and complicate future constitutional changes ahead of upcoming elections. (The New York Times, 3/23/26) Keep Reading »

Romania 🇷🇴

Romanian President Appoints Chief Prosecutors Despite Opposition

Romanian President Nicusor Dan appointed new chief prosecutors despite objections from judicial authorities and civil society groups, raising concerns about a potential weakening of anti-corruption efforts. Critics warn the move could further hinder investigations and undermine confidence in the judiciary. (Reuters, 4/9/26) Keep Reading » 

Sweden 🇸🇪

Swedish Prosecutors Seek Prison for Oil Executives Over Alleged Sudan War Crimes

Swedish prosecutors asked the court to impose prison sentences on two former executives of the Swedish oil company Lundin Oil. They argued that Lundin Oil was complicit in war crimes during Sudan’s civil war by requesting government military protection for oil operations. Prosecutors argue that the arrangement led to bombings, killings of civilians, and destruction of villages between 1999 and 2003. The case seeks to hold corporate leaders criminally liable for war crimes linked to their business activities. (EuroNews, 3/26/26) Keep Reading »

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

‘Grave Security Concerns’ for Judges Over Plan to Curb Jury Trials, England’s Top Judge Says

Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales Sue Carr warned that government plans to reduce jury trials and allow more judge-only trials could pose serious security risks to judges. She noted that judges would become more identifiable and predictable targets because they would be the sole judges of guilt, and raised concerns about threats or retaliation. (Reuters, 3/17/26) Keep Reading »

ASIA

Macao 🇲🇴

Macao Lawmakers Pass a Bill Allowing Closed-Door Trials for National Security Reasons

Lawmakers in Macao, a special administrative region of China, unanimously passed a law allowing closed-door national security trials when judges and a government security committee determine that public proceedings could harm national security. The measure expands the power of the city’s national security committee and requires approval for lawyers participating in such cases, raising concerns among critics about reduced transparency and limits on political expression. (The Associated Press, 3/19/26) Keep Reading »

China 🇨🇳

Prominent Rights Lawyer Sentenced to Five Years

A Chinese court sentenced prominent human rights lawyer Xie Yang to five years in prison on charges of “inciting subversion of state power.” The ruling is viewed as part of a broader crackdown on lawyers who take on politically sensitive human rights cases in China. (Human Rights Watch, 3/23/26) Keep Reading » 

AMERICAS

Brazil 🇧🇷

Bolsonaro allowed to serve 27-year sentence at home due to ill health

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice allowed former president Jair Bolsonaro to serve his 27-year sentence at home instead of in prison due to serious health issues after he was hospitalized with pneumonia. Bolsonaro must wear an ankle monitor, cannot use phones or receive most visitors, and the court will reassess the humanitarian house-arrest order after about 90 days. (PBS News, 3/24/26) Keep Reading » 

Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Costa Rican Ex-Supreme Court Judge Sent to the United States in First-Ever National Extradition

Costa Rica extradited former Supreme Court judge and security minister Celso Gamboa to the United States on international drug-trafficking charges. This marks the country’s first-ever extradition of one of its own citizens, following a 2025 legal reform that allowed such transfers. Officials described the case as part of a broader effort to combat organized crime. (Reuters, 3/20/26) Keep Reading »

United States 🇺🇸

New York Times Investigation Reveals Origins of Supreme Court’s ‘Shadow Docket’

Internal memos obtained by The New York Times show that the Supreme Court’s use of its fast-track “shadow docket” has its roots in a 2016 decision to block the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan before lower courts had ruled on it. (The New York Times, 4/18/26) Keep Reading »

The April Global Judicial News Report was compiled and written by Polina Solovyeva, a JD candidate at Duke Law School and a Student Editor for Judicature International.