International Colloquia
& Congresses
The scientific cycle
of the AIDP
The scientific cycle
of the AIDP
The scientific cycle of the International Association of Penal Law (AIDP/IAPL) spans five years and consists of four International Colloquia and the International Congress, organized by selected National Groups of the Association.
These International Colloquia follow a classic comparative law approach, which involves structured questionnaires, national reports, general reports, and, where appropriate, special or global reports. Each Colloquium is dedicated to one of the four traditional areas of focus: the general part of criminal law, the special part, criminal procedure, and international criminal law.
The primary aim of the International Colloquia is the adoption of Resolutions. Each Colloquium concludes with the drafting and adoption of a set of Resolutions, which are subsequently submitted to the Scientific Committee of the AIDP for endorsement and then formally approved at the Congress. At the Congress, these Resolutions are presented without further detailed debate. In addition to the reports, the Colloquia may include complementary scientific contributions that are thematically aligned with the main topic.
Participation in the International Colloquia is open to all members of the AIDP as well as to non-members. While all participants are encouraged to take part in the discussions, including those concerning the Resolutions, voting rights are reserved exclusively for AIDP members. It is the responsibility of the organising National Group to verify the membership status of participants involved in the voting process.
The AIDP
International Congress
The AIDP
International Congress
The AIDP International Congress, which marks the conclusion of the five-year scientific cycle, is structured in two main parts: a conference, and the presentation of the results of the four international Colloquia, including the adopted Resolutions. The Congress spans four to five days, including the meetings of AIDP governing bodies. The structure is designed so that participants may attend selected parts of the programme, depending on their interests and availability.
The overall scientific framework and direction of the Congress are outlined by the Scientific Committee of the AIDP. The hosting National Group is responsible for drafting a provisional programme and finalising the conference content. Alongside the main sessions, additional academic events may be organised – such as workshops, Young Penalists symposia, thematic meetings, or individual paper presentations. These activities are scheduled so as not to overlap with the sessions dedicated to the International Colloquia outcomes.
They may address not only the current themes of the five-year cycle but also emerging issues and future challenges, offering inspiration for the next cycle.
The Congress is designed to serve as a dynamic and inclusive forum, attracting both academic scholars and legal practitioners from around the world.