Each year, the Dialogs conclude with the issuance of a “Chautauqua Declaration,” a statement developed by the prosecutors during the two-day symposium that calls on all nations to pursue justice as a matter of law. It reaffirms the first Chautauqua Declaration, issued in 2007, which stated, "The challenge for States and for the international community is to fulfill the promise of the law they created; to enforce judicial decisions; [and] to ensure the arrest and surrender of sought individuals...." The Dialogs are held annually to honor these ideals, and to help advance the field of international humanitarian law. The 2011 Declaration signing will be moderated by Diane Marie Amann, professor at University of Georgia School of Law and a founding contributor to “IntLawGrrls” blog, a co-sponsor of the Law Dialogs.

The prosecutors will be joined by leading professionals in the international humanitarian law field. The 2011 installation of the Dialogs, being held August 28-30 at the Chautauqua Institution, will focus on the theme, Widespread & Systematic!: Crimes Against Humanity in the Shadow of Modern International Criminal Law. The sessions are free and open to the public (with the exception of meals). For more information, call the Robert H. Jackson Center at (716) 483-6646.Some of the highlights of the Dialogs will include updates from the current prosecutors, a panel on crimes against humanityinitiative, a year-in-review of the international criminal courts, special small break-out sessions on a variety of focused topics, and the issuance of a fifth Chautauqua Declaration by all the prosecutors in attendance. In addition, there will be a special film presentation of ―"The Response ":http://www.theresponsemovie.com/at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 28 at the Chautauqua Cinema (tickets are available for purchase directly at the theater). The film, a courtroom drama, is based on the actual transcripts of the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals and will be attended by writer/producer/actor Sig Libowitz and actor Peter Riegert.Justice Robert H. Jackson was United States chief prosecutor of the principal Nazi war criminals at the International MilitaryTribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, during 1945-46. The Dialogs honor the legacy of Nuremberg as the first successful international effort to hold individuals criminally responsible for planning and waging aggressive war, committing war crimes and committing crimes against humanity. It founded the era of international criminal law and set standards that guide international prosecutors today. This event is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:American Society of International Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Chautauqua County Occupancy Tax, Chautauqua Institution, the Enough! Project, Gebbie Foundation, IntLawGrrls, Jefferson Educational Society, Johnson Foundation, Planethood Foundation, Robert H. Jackson Center, Syracuse University College of Law, TitanX Engine Cooling, Washington University School of Law’s Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute.

The Law Dialogs allow renowned academics and law experts to engage in a meaningful dialogue about issues related to modern international criminal law.

Each year the International Humanitarian Law Dialogs invite current and former international prosecutors to discuss current issues in international criminal law.

View a photo slides how from this year's dialogs.

The Law Dialogs hosts a lecturer each year who epitomizes the intelligence, political savvy, and dedication to international humanitarian law Katherine B. Fite embodied during her impressive career.