International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter and began work in 1946. The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands.

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges, who are elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. The judges serve nine-year terms, and are eligible for re-election. The ICJ is divided into two chambers: the principal chamber and the chamber of summary procedure. The principal chamber hears all cases that are submitted to the ICJ, unless the parties to the case agree to have it heard by the chamber of summary procedure.

The ICJ has jurisdiction to hear cases between states, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies. The ICJ’s jurisdiction is based on the UN Charter, the Statute of the ICJ, and special agreements between states.

The ICJ’s decisions are binding on the parties to the case. The ICJ’s decisions are also considered to be authoritative interpretations of international law.

The ICJ has played an important role in the development of international law. Some of the most notable cases that the ICJ has decided include the Corfu Channel case, the Nicaragua v. United States case, and the Kosovo Advisory Opinion.

The ICJ is a vital institution for the peaceful settlement of disputes between states. It is an independent and impartial tribunal that can provide a just and equitable resolution of disputes. The ICJ is a valuable tool for the promotion of international law and the rule of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Court of Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945 by the UN Charter and began work in 1946. The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands.

What is the ICJ’s jurisdiction?

The ICJ has jurisdiction to hear cases between states, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies. The ICJ’s jurisdiction is based on the UN Charter, the Statute of the ICJ, and special agreements between states.

How does the ICJ decide cases?

The ICJ decides cases by majority vote of the judges. The ICJ’s decisions are binding on the parties to the case. The ICJ’s decisions are also considered to be authoritative interpretations of international law.

What are some of the most notable cases that the ICJ has decided?

Some of the most notable cases that the ICJ has decided include the Corfu Channel case, the Nicaragua v. United States case, and the Kosovo Advisory Opinion.

What is the significance of the ICJ?

The ICJ is a vital institution for the peaceful settlement of disputes between states. It is an independent and impartial tribunal that can provide a just and equitable resolution of disputes. The ICJ is a valuable tool for the promotion of international law and the rule of law.

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of which organization?
    (A) The United Nations
    (B) The European Union
    (C) The Organization of American States
    (D) The African Union

  2. The ICJ was established in which year?
    (A) 1945
    (B) 1946
    (C) 1947
    (D) 1948

  3. The ICJ is located in which city?
    (A) New York City
    (B) Geneva
    (C) The Hague
    (D) Paris

  4. The ICJ has jurisdiction to hear cases between which types of entities?
    (A) States
    (B) International organizations
    (C) Individuals
    (D) All of the above

  5. The ICJ’s decisions are binding on which entities?
    (A) The parties to the case
    (B) All UN member states
    (C) All states
    (D) None of the above

  6. The ICJ has decided which of the following cases?
    (A) The Corfu Channel case
    (B) The Nicaragua v. United States case
    (C) The Kosovo Advisory Opinion
    (D) All of the above

  7. The ICJ is a valuable tool for which of the following?
    (A) The peaceful settlement of disputes between states
    (B) The promotion of international law
    (C) The rule of law
    (D) All of the above

Index