The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its seat is located in the Hague in the Netherlands. It settles legal disputes and gives advisory opinions on legal questions. The International Court of Justice has 15 judges who are elected for a period of nine years by the members of the General Assembly and the Security Council. Following are the important functions of the International Court of Justice.
Functions of the International Court of Justice
- The Court decides cases in accordance with international treaties and conventions in force, international customs etc.
- Voluntary Jurisdiction: The Court may also decide matters in the cases which are referred to it by member nations. Compulsory Jurisdiction includes the following:
- It decides cases when many treaties include the submission of disputes to the Court.
- It decides disputes related to the interpretation of international laws.
- It decides cases related to the reparation which is to be made for breaching any international obligations.
- The Court can give its advisory opinion only when present member nations request the Court to give its advisory opinion.
- The Court also plays an important role in codifying international laws.
- It also recommends the appropriate steps which need to be taken for peaceful settlement of disputes.
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The United Nations
The United Nations was formed after the end of the Second World War. The world leaders felt the necessity to establish an organization which would be more powerful than the League of Nations. Read more
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