International Court Of Justice

Its seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands) It replaced the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) Only States may apply to and appear before the Court It has two official languages English and French

Basics

Everything written or said in one language is translated into the other A Statute which forms part of the Charter Operates under

Its own Rules Such as war criminals

Has no criminal jurisdiction and cannot try individuals

Decides in accordance with International treaties and conventions in force International custom The general principles of law

Sources of applicable law

As subsidiary means

International Court of Justice

Judicial decisions The teachings of the most highly qualified publicists

Advisory Opinions Five organs Open solely to UN organizations

16 agencies

Since 1946, It has given 25 Advisory Opinions Admission to United Nations membership Territorial status of

South-West Africa (Namibia) Western Sahara

The legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons Judgments rendered by international administrative tribunals

To settle

Functions

The legal disputes submitted to it by States In accordance with international law

To give advisory opinions Has a twofold role On legal questions referred to it By duly authorized international organs and agencies

15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office

Composition

Only one judge of any nationality The main forms of civilization It has to reflect

ICJ-I.mmap - 28/01/2009 -

The principal legal systems of the world