Unit 3/4 Test Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is international law?
International law is a system of rules and principles that govern how countries interact with each other, as well as with international organizations and individuals. It covers issues like trade, diplomacy, human rights, war, and the environment.
How is international law different from domestic law?
International law is voluntary and only applies if countries agree to follow it through treaties or agreements. Domestic law is mandatory and enforced within a country by its government.
What are challenges in creating and enforcing international law?
Challenges include cultural and legal differences, unwillingness of countries to give up sovereignty, and the absence of a global law-making body, court with binding authority over all nations, or international police force.
What are some solutions to international law enforcement challenges?
Building international cooperation, treaties, and strong organizations like the UN, ICC, and ICJ.
Where is The Hague and what happens there?
The Hague is a city in the Netherlands that serves as a center for international justice. It hosts the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other legal bodies that handle global disputes and crimes.
What is the UN and what is its purpose?
The United Nations (UN) is the largest international organization, working to maintain global peace, security, promote human rights, provide humanitarian aid, and support sustainable development among its member states.
What is the purpose of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
The ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of serious international crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
What does the International Court of Justice (ICJ) do?
The ICJ settles legal disputes between countries and gives advisory opinions on international law matters. It focuses on state-level cases, not individuals.
What is diplomacy and why is it important?
Diplomacy is the practice of managing international relations peacefully through negotiation and dialogue. It helps resolve conflicts, build alliances, and coordinate global efforts on shared challenges.
What legal protection do diplomats have?
Diplomats are granted diplomatic immunity, which means they cannot be arrested or prosecuted under the laws of the country they are serving in, allowing them to perform their duties without interference.
What are the main types of international law?
Human Rights Law: Protects fundamental freedoms and dignity.
Humanitarian Law: Regulates conduct in war (e.g., Geneva Conventions).
Criminal Law: Deals with crimes like genocide and war crimes.
Environmental Law: Focuses on climate, pollution, and conservation.
Law of the Sea: Governs use of oceans and marine resources.
What are the goals of international environmental law?
To protect ecosystems, reduce global pollution, combat climate change, preserve endangered species, and ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources.
How do we define crime and assess criminality?
A crime is an act that violates laws or social norms. Criminality is assessed by legal systems but also shaped by societal views, bias, and context. Who gets labeled a criminal can reflect deeper inequalities.
What is code switching and why is it relevant?
Code switching is when people alter their speech or behavior to adapt to different cultural or social expectations. It’s relevant because it reflects power dynamics and the pressure to conform in global or legal systems.
What is the just-world fallacy and how does it relate to justice?
It’s the mistaken belief that people always get what they deserve, which can lead to blaming victims of injustice and ignoring systemic issues in both domestic and international contexts.
What is meritocracy and how does it connect to international issues?
Meritocracy is the belief that success is based solely on talent and hard work. It overlooks barriers like discrimination and inequality, which are key concerns in international justice systems.
How do code switching, just-world fallacy, and meritocracy relate to international law?
These ideas shape how people and nations are perceived and treated. They can reinforce inequalities in international systems and obscure unfair treatment or power imbalances.
What are some current international legal issues?
Ukraine War: War crimes and violations of humanitarian law.
Israel-Palestine Conflict: Civilian protection and occupation legality.
Climate Change: Legal disputes over emissions and responsibility.
Migration: Legal questions around refugee rights and deportations.
What is International Humanitarian Law (IHL)?
IHL is a body of rules that apply during armed conflict to protect civilians and limit the methods of warfare, such as banning torture or targeting civilians.
How is IHL different from Human Rights Law?
IHL applies only in times of war or conflict, focusing on protection in combat zones, while Human Rights Law applies at all times, including peace, and guarantees basic rights.
What were the Nuremberg Trials and why were they important?
Held after WWII, they prosecuted Nazi leaders for genocide and war crimes. These trials established the principle that individuals—not just states—can be held accountable under international law.
What was the My Lai Massacre and its significance?
In 1968, U.S. soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians. It highlighted U.S. war crimes and spurred debate over military accountability and the need for stronger enforcement of humanitarian law.
How are the ICC and ICJ different?
ICC: Prosecutes individuals for international crimes.
ICJ: Settles disputes between countries and offers legal advice.
They differ in jurisdiction, focus, and who they hold accountable.
What is Canada’s role in international law and justice?
Canada supports international institutions like the UN and ICC, promotes human rights, sends peacekeepers, and advocates for global justice, helping build trust and cooperation internationally.
