He prosecuted the worst war crimes, but Ben Ferencz preferred to prevent them from ever being committed

It may be naive, Ben Ferencz knew that too. But what if there would never be war again? That states no longer settle their disputes with violence, but through a judge. Like neighbors to The driving judge steps to right of way or over pruning an oak tree overhanging the property boundary. Law, not war. That was Ferencz’s dream.

It is more topical and perhaps further away than ever with the war in Ukraine. Where war crimes are once again being committed on a large scale and the question is whether and how those responsible will ever be held accountable. Yes, Russian President Putin has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court – a brainchild of Ferencz – but it is unlikely that he will..