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A conflict that has been going on for months has brought back to the forefront of the attention of all responsible citizens the monstrous phenomena of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Judges can draw on their humanism and their culture to address and judge these crimes. They define themselves by history and relevant sources of law. Their judgment implies resources and procedures, being aware of the concrete existence of courts and systems of litigation that are looking for the way forward based on principles recognised as fundamental and the lucid pursuit of effectiveness. Rules that are often quoted and widely commented upon by both public and the media, such as universal jurisdiction, are an invitation to hunt down all the possible causes of ineffectiveness, whilst leaving room for hope of a positive result.