Abstract
As a term describing the most horrendous crimes, “genocide” occupies a unique place in the collective consciousness. It is also one of the most polarising issues in international affairs: in today’s charged political climate, even judges on international tribunals may face sanctions for investigating alleged genocides. What remains fundamental is a free, empirically grounded academic conversation on this vital issue, where lawyers and social scientists may use the term — or refrain from using it — without fear of reprisal.