Public International Law
What is Public International Law?
A body of rules, principles, and norms that govern the relations between sovereign states and international organizations.
Key points
- Understand the nature and sources of Public International Law.
- Identify key areas regulated by PIL.
- Appreciate the challenges in PIL enforcement.
- Recognize the role of international organizations and courts.
Common exam trap
Assuming PIL has the same enforcement mechanisms as domestic law.
Definitions
- Term
Public International Law
- Meaning
A body of rules, principles, and norms that govern the relations between sovereign states and international organizations.
- Term
Treaty
- Meaning
A formal written agreement between sovereign states or international organizations, governed by international law.
- Term
Customary International Law
- Meaning
Law that is derived from the consistent practice of states in their dealings with one another, coupled with a belief that such practice is required by law (opinio juris).
- Term
Opinio Juris
- Meaning
The belief that a certain practice is required by law, a necessary component for the formation of customary international law.
- Term
Jus Cogens
- Meaning
Peremptory norms of general international law that are accepted by the international community of states as a whole as norms from which no derogation is permitted.
Learning objectives
Understand the nature and sources of Public International Law.
Identify key areas regulated by PIL.
Appreciate the challenges in PIL enforcement.
Recognize the role of international organizations and courts.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of political science and international relations.
Familiarity with the concept of sovereignty.
General awareness of global affairs.
Common mistakes
Assuming PIL has the same enforcement mechanisms as domestic law.
Confusing PIL with Private International Law (which deals with conflicts of laws between private individuals).
Overlooking the importance of state sovereignty in PIL.
Keywords
International Law
State Sovereignty
Treaties
Customary Law
International Court of Justice
International Organizations
Diplomacy
International Relations
Human Rights Law
Law of Armed Conflict
Practice preview
Which of the following is NOT a primary source of Public International Law?…
easy
What is the primary function of customary international law?…
medium
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'opinio juris' in international law?…
medium