International Law: Principles & Institutions

What are the primary sources of international law as listed in Article 38(1) of the ICJ Statute?

The primary sources of international law are international conventions (treaties), international custom, and general principles of law recognized by civilized nations.

Which five nations hold permanent seats and veto power in the United Nations Security Council?

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (the P5).

What foundational 1948 document forms the basis of the international human rights framework?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the foundational 1948 document that forms the basis of international human rights law.

Which international treaty is often referred to as the 'treaty on treaties'?

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) of 1969 is known as the 'treaty on treaties' because it governs treaty formation and interpretation.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), what is the maximum breadth of a coastal state's territorial sea?

Under UNCLOS, a coastal state's territorial sea can extend up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles from its baseline.

What are the four core international crimes over which the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction?

The ICC has jurisdiction over the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

What are the two required elements for a practice to become Customary International Law (CIL)?

The two elements of Customary International Law are widespread and consistent state practice (objective element) and opinio juris, the belief that the practice is legally required (subjective element).

What does the fundamental principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' mean in international treaty law?

'Pacta sunt servanda' is the principle, codified in Article 26 of the VCLT, that every treaty in force is binding upon the parties to it and must be performed by them in good faith.

What is the principle of universal jurisdiction in international law?

Universal jurisdiction is the principle allowing states to claim criminal jurisdiction over an accused person regardless of where the alleged crime was committed, or the nationality of the accused or victim, typically for heinous crimes like piracy or genocide.

How can a receiving state lawfully expel a foreign diplomat under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations?

A receiving state can lawfully expel a foreign diplomat by declaring them 'persona non grata' at any time and without having to explain its decision.