Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: dictum
International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) is a group of police officers from over 180 countries who work together to catch bad guys who commit crimes across borders. They share information about criminals and help each other solve crimes. Even though they don't have a treaty or official agreement, they are recognized by the United Nations as an important organization that helps keep people safe.
The International Criminal Police Organization, also known as Interpol, is an international law-enforcement group that was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Lyons, France. It is made up of more than 180 member nations and its main purpose is to gather and share information on transnational criminals.
Interpol is a unique organization because it engages in intergovernmental activities but is not based on any treaty, convention, or other similar instrument. Its founding document is a constitution that was drawn up by a group of police officers and has not been submitted for diplomatic signatures or ratified by governments. However, the organization has received de facto recognition from the outset.
Interpol was formally granted the status of an "intergovernmental agency" by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 1971, which is considered a form of de jure legitimization.
For example, if a criminal commits a crime in one country and then flees to another country, Interpol can help track down the criminal by sharing information and coordinating with law enforcement agencies in both countries. This helps to ensure that criminals cannot escape justice by simply crossing borders.