International courts and tribunals interpret and apply international law. They operate under specific legal instruments and jurisdictional rules and provide mechanisms for resolving disputes and addressing questions of international legal responsibility.
PUBLIC LEGAL REFERENCE
International Judicial Institutions
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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between States and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorised United Nations bodies.
International courts generally require a legal basis for jurisdiction. This may arise through treaties, special agreements between States, or other recognised forms of consent.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) deals with individual criminal responsibility for crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression within its jurisdiction.
International and hybrid tribunals have been established to address specific conflicts and legal situations. These institutions have contributed to the development of international criminal law and accountability principles.
Judicial decisions assist in interpreting international legal rules and clarifying principles. Courts contribute to legal development while operating within the limits of their authority.
International judicial institutions provide peaceful methods for resolving disputes between States and support the principle that international disagreements should be addressed through lawful mechanisms.
Students should understand the role of the ICJ, ICC and other tribunals, the importance of jurisdiction and how international courts contribute to interpreting and applying international law.
International courts and tribunals apply international law through judicial processes. Their authority depends on legal instruments and accepted jurisdictional rules.