A Global Judicial News Report: October 2025

Pictured Above: The entrance of the seat of the International Criminal Court, The Hague, Netherlands. (Credit: iStock/olrat)

In the News

International Courts 🌐 —
ICC Holds Tenth Seminar on Cooperation with National Focal Points

The International Criminal Court held its Tenth Seminar on Cooperation with national focal points in The Hague, bringing together 32 representatives from 19 states — including six not party to the Rome Statute — under the theme “Effective Justice Through Efficient Cooperation.” ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and other officials emphasized that state cooperation is vital to every stage of the ICC’s work. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination, improving judicial cooperation, and sharing best practices. (International Criminal Court, 09/19/25) Keep Reading »

Three West African Countries to Quit International Criminal Court

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, denouncing the tribunal as an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression.” The three military-led governments stated they will no longer recognize the ICC’s authority, criticizing its record on prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity. The move comes as all three nations strengthen ties with Russia, whose president remains under ICC arrest warrant. (BBC, 09/23/25) Keep Reading »

In Landmark Labor Case, UN World Court Weighs in on Right to Strike

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings on whether the right to strike is protected under international law. Supporters argue that strikes are a vital tool to improve labor conditions. Over three days, 21 countries and organizations presented arguments, reflecting global interest in the outcome in this case of first impression. The Court’s advisory opinion, expected in the coming months, could shape the future of international labor law. (United Nations, 10/06/25) Keep Reading »

United States 🇺🇸 —
U.S. Supreme Court Begins 2025 Term With Elections, Criminal Law, and Executive Power Cases

As the U.S. Supreme Court opens its 2025 Term, the justices face a docket spanning election law, criminal procedure, and constitutional questions of executive authority. This preview from the George Washington Law Review highlights key cases to be argued in the October sitting, including Berk v. Choy, Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections, and Trump v. Slaughter, with additional analyses to follow as the term progresses. (The George Washington Law Review, 10/06/25) Keep Reading »

What Courts Have Said in Challenges to Trump’s National Guard Deployments

Federal judges have pushed back against the Trump administration’s attempts to deploy the National Guard domestically and noted concerns with legality. In cities like Chicago and Portland, courts have blocked or constrained troop deployment. (The New York Times, 10/10/25) Keep Reading »

Federal Judges, Warning of ‘Judicial Crisis,’ Fault Supreme Court’s Emergency Orders

Dozens of federal judges expressed concern that the U.S. Supreme Court’s use of emergency orders in cases involving the Trump administration is eroding public trust in the judiciary. They warned of a “judicial crisis” and noted that the Court’s opaque rulings make it difficult for lower courts to apply the law consistently. (The New York Times, 10/11/25) Keep Reading »

Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 —
67th Annual Meeting of International Association of Judges Kicks Off in Baku

From October 11-18, the 67th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with about 300 representatives from 71 countries. The event included elections for IAJ leadership, general assembly sessions, and a conference focused on the relationship between the judiciary and the other branches of government. (Azertag, 10/12/25) Keep Reading »

Albania 🇦🇱 —
Albanian Judge Shot Dead in Court by Man During Trial

An Albanian judge, Astrit Kalaja, was shot dead, and two others were injured after a gunman opened fire during a property dispute hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, Albania. Police arrested 30-year-old Elvis Shkëmbi, whose uncle was a defendant in the case and has also been detained, along with a court security officer accused of allowing the suspect to bypass screening. Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the attack as “a strike at the very foundation of justice” and called for tighter courtroom security and harsher penalties for illegal weapons. (BBC, 10/07/25) Keep Reading »

The October 2025 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.