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Law - International Law

This guide highlights some resources that can be used for researching public international law.

Introduction

This guide highlights some resources that can be used for researching public international law. Instructions for accessing library databases: Connect to Library Resources and/or Library Access Browser Extension.

Public international law is the body of law that governs the legal rights, duties and obligations between nation states and inter-governmental organizations.

Article 38 (1) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice outlines the primary sources of international law:

  • international treaties or conventions.  If a treaty applies to a particular situation, it is the primary legal authority.
  • international custom, evolving from the practice of states
  • general principles of law recognized by civilized nations
  • judicial decisions and scholarly ‘teachings’