This subject explores, from legal and criminological perspectives, whether there can ever be an adequate response to crimes against humanity. It begins by asking what makes a crime an 'international' crime; a crime against 'humanity'? The international legal structure that has evolved to address such crimes is considered, together with a range of non-legal responses including political apologies, non-governmental movements, memoirs, memorials and other forms of testimonials. Through an examination of case studies the necessity of adequately responding to crimes against humanity is highlighted. So too, is the difficulty, if not impossibility, of doing so.

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