international law Flashcards
domestic law
system of law which operates within one country
application - universal and applies to all
enforcement - law enforcement agencies exist, such as the police to enforce the law
creation - made by parliament or the rulings of judges
international law
system of law which governs relationships between countries
application - applies only to those nations that agree to be bound by the law
enforcement - ICJ but countries are permitted to exempt themselves from cases
creation - made through negotiations between nations
two types of international law
private: rules which govern the rights of individuals who cross national boundaries ( citizenship, marriage, travel, business contracts)
public: rules which govern relationships between countries
state
another word for nation or country
a state is an independent entity or body that can enter into relations and be recognized internationally
state requirements
- a permanent population
- a defined territory
- an effective government ( supreme power imposed on population )
- capability to enter into international negotiations
state sovereignty
sovereignty is the power of a state to do everything necessary to govern itself
limitations of international law
- nations cannot interfere with each other’s sovereignty
- international law is based on agreement and cooperation
three sources of international law
- international customary law
- instruments ( declarations and treaties
- legal decisions, writings
treaties
an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law
two types of treaties
- bilateral: formal agreement between two states
- multilateral: a formal agreement between three or more states
conventions and declarations
a treaty which is agreed to and proclaimed by a large number of nations
conventions: regulate a particular aspect of international law
declarations: are similar and is usually a resolution of the united nations
customary international law
principles and procedures that have been generally used to the point that they are accepted as being fair and right by the international community
Jus Cogens
principle of international law that can not be contradicted by any nation
any treaty that goes against customary law that is jus cogens is declared invalid
legal decisions in international law
decisions are made by international organisations such as the UN and the ICJ
legal writings
writings of international lawyers, judges or despected journalosts or politicians, can be used as advisory notes by ICJ judges