The Nutshell is intended as an introduction for students taking a first course in international criminal law as well as practitioners with little or no familiarity with the field. After a brief introduction to the history of international criminal law (from its origins through Nuremburg to the ad hoc tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda), it summarizes basic principles of international accountability (such as the doctrine of "legality") and concepts of international criminal jurisdiction (including "universal" jurisdiction).

Several chapters focus on the International Criminal Court, in particular its substantive jurisdiction (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression), modes of liability and available defenses. Additional chapters cover the purposes and procedures of extradition (and its alternatives, such as "rendition") and mutual legal assistance (obtaining evidence abroad for use in criminal cases). Attention is also given to the major "transnational crimes," including in particular terrorism, corruption, trafficking and organized crime. A final chapter addresses the "future" of international criminal law and alternatives to international prosecutions. The book is written so that readers will not require prior experience in the field of international law.