The Legal Tools Used before and during Conflict to Avoid Destruction of Cultural Heritage

Abstract:This article traces the history of jurisprudence in heritage protection from its ancient origins to the recent 2016 International Criminal Court's first prosecution for the destruction of religious structures. The author explains how the law struggles to adequately address means of preserving shared cultural property, particularly in times of war. With the widespread use of social media and proliferation of global connectivity, the current turmoil in the Middle East has drawn attention to destruction and looting. As the relationship between heritage and terrorism is becoming more evident, the article aims to assess the renewed efforts through legal instruments and prosecutions to curb these destructive acts.