ICJ Hears German Suit Against U.S. for Executions and Violations of Consular Rights

On November 13, 2000, the International Court of Justice held a hearing on the German suit against the United States, claiming the U.S. had violated international agreements by failing to accord two German brothers, Karl and Walter LaGrand, their consular rights and then executing them in 1999. In 1984, an Arizona court condemned them to death for killing a bank manager in Arizona in 1982. The German Government alleges the U.S. has violated the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by not informing the brothers of their right to consular assistance when they were arrested. The ICJ expects to render a verdict within four months of the hearing…[more]