<P> U.S. President Bill Clinton originally signed the Rome Statute in 2000 . Signature of a treaty provides a preliminary endorsement, but a treaty that is signed but not ratified is not legally binding . Signing does not create a binding legal obligation, but does demonstrate the State's intention to examine the treaty domestically and consider ratifying it, and it obliges the State to refrain from acts that would counter or undermine the treaty's objective and purpose . </P> <P> Clinton stated that he would not submit it to the Senate for advice and consent for ratification until the U.S. government had a chance to assess the functioning of the Court . He nonetheless supported the proposed role of the ICC and its objectives: </P> <P> The United States should have the chance to observe and assess the functioning of the court, over time, before choosing to become subject to its jurisdiction . Given these concerns, I will not, and do not recommend that my successor, submit the treaty to the Senate for advice and consent until our fundamental concerns are satisfied . </P> <P> Nonetheless, signature is the right action to take at this point . I believe that a properly constituted and structured International Criminal Court would make a profound contribution in deterring egregious human rights abuses worldwide, and that signature increases the chances for productive discussions with other governments to advance these goals in the months and years ahead . </P>

Does the icc has jurisdiction in the united states