Universal jurisdiction is that principle of international law whereby states exercise criminal jurisdiction over individuals accused of committing crimes beyond the boundaries of the state taking action. Despite its origins in the Nuremberg Trials, universal jurisdiction is a controversial concept, as the trial of Augustus Pinochet demonstrated.

Realist critics such as Henry Kissinger are quick to talk up the limitations of universal jurisdiction. Reports such as this from Alkarama offer an important balance and, more importantly, guidance on the way in which universal jurisdiction works in different legal domains.