International Law

Question 1

domestic law

Answer 1

system of law which operates within one country

Question 2

international law, private and public

Answer 2

system of law which governs relationships between countries
→ private- rules which govern the rights of individuals who cross national boundaries
→ public- rules which govern relationships between countries

Question 3

state definition and requirements

Answer 3

independent entity or body that can enter into relations and be recognised internationally

must have:
→ a permanent population
→ a defined territory
→ an effective government
→ the capability of entering into international negotiations

Question 4

sovereignty

Answer 4

means authority

Question 5

how does state sovereignty work?

Answer 5

A state must be legally recognised with a supreme power that can be imposed on the population and each state agree nations agree not to interfere with each other’s sovereignty

Question 6

treaty definition according to The Vienna Convention of the Law of Treaties 1969

Answer 6

“A treaty is an international agreement, concluded between states in written form and governed by international law”

Question 7

two types of treaties

Answer 7

→ bilateral- formal agreement between two states

→ multilateral- formal agreement between three or more states

Question 8

conventions and declarations

Answer 8

when a treaty is agreed to by a large number of nations
conventions –> regulate a particular aspect of international law
declarations –> similar and usually a resolution of the United Nations

Question 9

customary international law

Answer 9

principles and procedures that have grown up through general usage to the point where they are accepted as being fair and right by the international community

Question 10

jus cogens

Answer 10

→ principle of international law that may not be contradicted by any nation
- any treaty that goes against customary law that is jus cogens is declared invalid

Question 11

legal decisions

Answer 11

decisions by international organisations e.g. UN and International Court of Justice (ICT)

Question 12

legal writings

Answer 12

writings of international lawyers, judges or respected journalists and politicians

Question 13

united nations est. and central mission

Answer 13

Est. 1945 after WWII for the maintenance of international peace and security

Question 14

united nations key functions

Answer 14

→ protect human rights
→ deliver humanitarian aid
→ promote sustainable development
→ uphold international law

Question 15

general assembly and members

Answer 15

• main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN
• 195 member states of the UN are represented in the general assembly