Universal Jurisdiction over Genocide (1961–2025): Prosecutions and Institutional Designs — Comparative Case Dataset (UJ-Genocide v1.0)

This dataset compiles and systematizes (1) domestic prosecutions invoking universal jurisdiction (UJ) over genocide and (2) national institutional design features that structure, enable, or constrain the exercise of UJ for genocide. It is designed to support comparative socio-legal and political analyses of how different national systems translate international criminal law commitments into prosecutorial pathways and gatekeeping mechanisms.The dataset is organized into two main components:Prosecutions (case-level dataset): a structured list of 42 UJ-related proceedings (1961–2025), covering a range of procedural outcomes (e.g., convictions, acquittals, dismissals, arrest/extradition proceedings). Each record includes core attributes such as year, case name/citation, forum state, territorial state, accused, charges, and outcome/verdict, with short factual notes to clarify procedural posture and key legal issues.Institutional Designs (country-level dataset): a comparative coding of key UJ “design variables” across multiple prosecuting jurisdictions. The variables include (where applicable) the legal basis for genocide/UJ, presence or residence requirements, double criminality, prosecutorial discretion and gatekeeping, subsidiarity/complementarity filters, and retroactivity/temporal limits. Country profiles are accompanied by short qualitative annotations identifying important statutory provisions, policy guidelines, or doctrinal debates. A simplified summary table (“Institutional Designs – Simplified”) aggregates selected design features across countries to facilitate cross-national comparison.