What is the current role of the International Court of Justice in contributing to the rule of law in the international community, and which future developments might enable it to have an even greater impact? These questions are explored in Enhancing the Rule of Law through the International Court of Justice, edited by Judge Giorgio Gaja and Jenny Grote Stoutenburg, Associate Legal Officer at the Court. Resulting from a conference celebrating the centenary of the Peace Palace in The Hague, the volume brings together contributions from Judges of the Court, eminent scholars and "new voices". With contributions by: Ronny Abraham, Mohamed Bennouna, Antônio A. Cançado Trindade, Giorgio Gaja, Christopher Greenwood, Mariko Kawano, Marcelo Kohen, Chehrazad Krari-Lahya, Rosa Möhrlein, Hugh Thirlway, and Andreas Zimmermann

An easily accessible and comprehensive study of the International Court of Justice, this book succinctly explains all aspects of the world's most important court, including an overview of its composition and operation, jurisdiction, procedure, and the nature and impact of its judgments.

The International Court of Justice and the Effectiveness of International Law, by Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the ICJ since 2000, offers an account of the history and main achievements of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the only court with universal and general jurisdiction. This book discusses the hopes and aims of creating a permanent, international tribunal for settling disputes between States, and the ICJ’s role in ensuring the effectiveness of the rule of law at the international level. Taking into account the characteristics of the international legal order, this work provides a description of the main achievements brought about in this respect by the creation of the ICJ; the basis and scope of its function as a judicial institution; its relationship with other means of settling disputes and its integration in the United Nations; and finally its substantial contribution in two areas of great significance for the promotion and strengthening of peaceful relations between States, namely the settlement of land and maritime disputes and the implementation of the law of State responsibility.

Identifies the major weaknesses in the current United Nations system and proposes fundamental reforms to address each. This title is also available as Open Access.

This book traces the impact that the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has had on various areas of international law. A number of prominent international experts examine whether, and to what extent, international law has been shaped by the Court's jurisprudence. The informal development of international law through the Court's judgments contrasts with the development of international law through more deliberate means, such as treaty-making. Assessing key areas of international law over which the ICJ has exercised its jurisdiction, such as international environmental law, international human rights, the law of the sea, and the law of immunities, this book comprehensively details the impact of international jurisprudence on contemporary international law. Continuing the work started by Sir Hersch Lauterpacht's influential book The Development of International Law by the Permanent Court of International Justice, this book provides key new insights into the role of the Court in wider international law. It makes required reading for anyone studying the ways in which international courts have in shaped the evolution of international law.

This is the third volume in the series by the "Leiden Journal of" "International Law" dealing with the Decade of International Law and International Dispute Settlement. In this book, the 50th anniversary of the International Court of Justice is commemorated. Its past and future role is examined from various angles which have been defined as "roles "played by the Court. First and foremost, its role as a mechanism for the settlement of disputes is examined. The analysis goes beyond the traditional frontiers of disputes between states and also explores the possibilities of granting international organizations and individuals access to the Court. The second role that is looked into is its supervisory role, or, in other words, its possible role as supreme court in international law. Thirdly, the Court in its advisory function is examined. The last role that is focused upon is the Court in its role as developer of rules of international law. The book ends with a conclusion from both a legal and a political perspective.