A war criminal is an individual who commits serious violations of the laws and customs of war. These actions can include crimes such as genocide, torture, and the deliberate targeting of civilians. War criminals are often held accountable through international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), which seeks to bring justice for victims of such atrocities. The term is often associated with leaders or military officials who order or carry out these crimes during conflicts. Notable examples include figures from the Nuremberg Trials after World War II, where key leaders were prosecuted for their roles in the Holocaust and other war crimes.