Key Concepts in Public International Law

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary and concepts from public international law as discussed in the lecture notes.

Public International Law

The legal framework governing relations between sovereign states and other international actors.

UN Charter

Foundational document of the United Nations, establishing rules that regulate conduct within the international community.

Sovereign equality

The principle that all states are equal under international law, possessing the same rights and responsibilities.

Pacta Sunt Servanda

The principle that states must honor their international legal obligations in good faith.

Peaceful resolution of disputes

A fundamental principle of international law that advocates for mediation and negotiation rather than armed conflict.

Customary international law

Legal norms that evolve from consistent state practice and are accepted as legally binding.

Legal personality

The status of an entity that is recognized as having rights and obligations under international law.

Retorsion

A lawful but unfriendly act taken by a state in response to a legally injurious action by another state.

Reprisal

An illegal action taken in retaliation for a prior illegal act, allowed under specific conditions in international law.

Jus Cogens

Peremptory norms in international law that cannot be violated or derogated from, such as the prohibitions against genocide and slavery.

Humanitarian intervention

Military intervention aimed at protecting human rights, typically in cases of massive violations without the consent of the state.

Self-Determination

The principle that allows peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Article 51 of the UN Charter

Recognizes the inherent right of self-defense for states in response to armed attacks.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

A permanent international court that prosecutes individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Adjudication

The process of resolving disputes through a legally binding ruling by a court or tribunal.

Collective Security

An arrangement among nations to act together in response to threats or breaches of peace.

Prohibition of the use of force

A core principle of international law enshrined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, barring states from using force against one another.