Rome Statutes of the ICC: Article 57 - Functions and powers of the Pre-Trial Chamber

Article 57 - Functions and powers of the Pre-Trial Chamber

Unless otherwise provided for in this Statute, the Pre-Trial Chamber shall exercise its functions in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(a)  Orders or rulings of the Pre-Trial Chamber issued under articles 15, 18, 19, 54, paragraph 2,  61, paragraph 7,  and 72 must be concurred in by a majority of its judges.

In all other cases, a single judge of the Pre-Trial Chamber may exercise the functions provided for in this Statute, unless otherwise provided for in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence or by a majority of the Pre-Trial Chamber.

In addition to its other functions under this Statute,  the Pre-Trial Chamber may:  

At the request of the Prosecutor, issue such orders and warrants as may be required for the purposes of an investigation;

Upon the request of a person who has been arrested or has appeared pursuant to a summons under article 58, issue such orders, including measures such as those described in article 56, or seek such cooperation pursuant to Part 9 as may be necessary to assist the person in the preparation of his or her defence;

Where necessary, provide for the protection and privacy of victims and witnesses, the preservation of evidence, the protection of persons who have been arrested or appeared in response to a summons,  and the protection of national security information;

Authorize the Prosecutor to take specific investigative steps within the territory of a State Party without having secured the cooperation of that State under Part 9 if,  whenever possible having regard to the views of the State concerned, the Pre-Trial Chamber has determined in that case that the cooperation due to the unavailability of any authority of any component of its judicial system competent to execute the request for cooperation under Part 9.

Where a warrant of arrest or a summons has been issued under article 58, and having due regard to the strength of the evidence and the rights of the parties concerned, as provided for in this Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, seek the cooperation of States pursuant to article 93, paragraph 1 (j), to take protective measures for the purpose of forfeiture in particular for the ultimate benefit of victims.