Article 15 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court outlines the authority of the Prosecutor of the Court to initiate investigations on their own initiative or based on information received, but subject to judicial oversight. The Prosecutor must first assess the information to determine if there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation. The Pre-Trial Chamber will then authorize the investigation if they find there is a reasonable basis to proceed. The Prosecutor is also required to notify all states parties and any states involved in the situation before initiating an investigation. Additionally, the Prosecutor may seek additional information or clarification from states parties or other sources as part of their investigation process.
