IRRC No. 876

What does “intent to destroy” in genocide mean?

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Abstract
The prevailing view in the case-law interprets the respective "intent to destroy" requirement as a special or specific intent (dolus specialis) stressing its volitional or purpose-based tendency. A historical, literal, systematic and teleological interpretation of the "intent to destroy" requirement, taking into account the particular structure of the genocide offence and the meaning of "intent" in comparative law, reveals that the traditional view can no longer be maintained.

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