SOURCES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

Treaty

A formal agreement between countries regarding a specific issue.

Pacta sunt servanda

A principle in international law meaning that countries should keep their promises made in treaties.

Customary law

Unwritten rules followed by most countries in international law.

Opinio juris

The belief that a practice is required or accepted as law in customary international law.

Soft law

Non-binding instruments that can influence state behavior but do not have to be complied with.

General principles of law

Common legal concepts that can fill gaps in treaty or customary law.

Jus cogens norms

Peremptory norms in international law that cannot be violated.

Ratification

The formal approval of a treaty by a country's national legislature or relevant authority.

Unilateral act

An action taken by a state that can create legal obligations without the involvement of other states.

Subsidiary sources of international law

Sources that are not primary, such as judicial decisions and teachings of publicists, which assist in determining rules of law.

Customary international law

Law derived from consistent and general practice by states accompanied by the belief that such practice is legally obligatory.

ICJ Statute, Article 38(1)

The article that outlines the primary sources of international law, including treaties, customary law, and general principles.

Treaties and customary law

Treaties may codify existing customary law or generate new customary rules.

Precedents in international law

Past decisions of international courts considered in similar future cases.

Dynamic nature of international law

The ability of international law sources to adapt to changing global circumstances.

Judicial decisions

Court decisions that can provide guidance and analysis but are not primary sources of law in international law.