'Is It Too Late Now to Say Sorry?': Remorse at International Criminal Tribunals.

This article examines the role of remorse as a mitigating factor in international criminal tribunals, highlighting the challenges in defining, detecting, and appropriately rewarding sincere remorse expressed by perpetrators of international crimes. It emphasizes that remorse involves both acceptance of responsibility and genuine emotional reflection on one's crimes, distinguishing it from mere admissions of guilt or strategic courtroom behavior. The article discusses the complexities tribunals face in assessing remorse, including cultural differences, psychological expertise gaps, and the risk of feigned remorse motivated by legal benefits. Ultimately, it argues for a more rigorous and principled framework within international criminal law to evaluate remorse, recognizing its potential to facilitate rehabilitation, victim healing, and reconciliation while cautioning against inconsistent or superficial applications.