The thesis finds a normative approach to the question whether trial in absentia is suitable for International Criminal Tribunals by applying classical sources of international criminal law and combining institutional aspects of the procedural theory, specifically the goals of the international criminal trial, with the individual frameworks of fundamental rights, namely the right to be present. Through a critical analysis of concepts presented as models for trial in absentia it introduces a new concept for trials ›in absentia‹ which considers both the defendant’s right and duty to be present. The book thereby establishes a connection between legal theory, international criminal procedural law, international human rights law and comparative law on the one hand and – considering the high number of accused of International Criminal Tribunals at large – a highly relevant procedural question on the other hand.