The Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) was set up jointly by an
Agreement
between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. The SCSL is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since November 30, 1996. The Tribunal functions in accordance with the provisions of this Statute, which outlines its competence, jurisdiction, composition, etc. The
Rules of Procedure and Evidence that should be read alongside the Statute, are the detailed rules adopted by the judges for conducting the pre-trial phase of the proceedings, trials and appeals, the admission of evidence, the protection of victims and witnesses, and other matters.