At the Heart of Criminal Justice and International Legal Thought since 1924
Our Numbers
101
Years of activity
902+
active
members
38
national
groups
223+
young
penalists
The International
Association of Penal Law
The International Association of Penal Law (AIDP/IAPL) was founded in 1924 in Paris. As the oldest global network of criminal law experts, and one of the oldest scientific associations worldwide, the AIDP has held a unique position in its field for over a century. It engages with academics, legal practitioners, and institutions on key issues such as criminal policy and legislation, comparative and international criminal law, and human rights in criminal justice systems.
President’s message
As the first female president of the AIDL/IAPL in its century of existence, I intend to continue the efforts of the association in upholding its values of protecting international human rights in criminal justice systems, and in pursuing its objective of promoting the development of legislation and institutions to improve the administration of criminal justice worldwide. During my mandate, my priorities are to broaden the global reach of the AIDL/IAPL and strengthen the impact of our scientific activities. I welcome all academics, professionals and students of criminal law who share our values and vision to join.
Professor Katalin Ligeti
Upcoming Meetings
& Convocations
Stay informed about our upcoming internal meetings, including convocations and other material.
3 June, 2027
Colloquium at the Cour de Cassation
Paris, Cour de Cassation
3 June, 2027
Meeting of the Executive Committee (COEX)
Paris, Cour de Cassation
4 December, 2026
Meeting of the Executive Committee (COEX)
Santiago de Chile (venue to be determined)
Join the Association
With an open and inclusive structure, the AIDP welcomes members from around the world – including a new generation of scholars organized in the Young Penalists group. The AIDP membership will allow you:
- to stay connected to a global network of experts in the area of criminal law, international criminal justice and comparative criminal law;
- to participate to the conferences and congresses of the Association;
- to have access to the International Review of Penal Law, published since 1926, and other AIDP publications.
News
In Consultative Status with
United Nations ECOSOC since 1948
In participatory status with
the Council of Europe since 1986
