International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial body of the United Nations (UN) and serves as the supreme authority for resolving legal disputes between states in accordance with international law. Based in The Hague, Netherlands, it is the only international court with general jurisdiction over state-to-state disputes and with the power to provide advisory opinions on legal questions submitted by UN organs and specialised agencies. The ICJ plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security by promoting the rule of law among nations.

Historical Background

The origins of the ICJ can be traced to the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), established in 1922 under the League of Nations. The PCIJ operated until the outbreak of the Second World War, during which its activities were suspended. Following the war, the creation of the United Nations in 1945 under the San Francisco Conference paved the way for the establishment of a new judicial organ.
The ICJ was created through the UN Charter (Article 92), which declared it the principal judicial organ of the organisation. Its Statute forms an integral part of the Charter. The Court began functioning in April 1946, inheriting much of the structure, membership, and jurisprudence of the PCIJ but with stronger ties to the UN system.

Structure and Composition

The Court consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council voting independently but concurrently. One-third of the seats are renewed every three years, and judges may be re-elected.
Key features include:

• Judges are selected from different geographical regions to ensure fair representation.
• No two judges may be nationals of the same country.
• Candidates must be of high moral standing and recognised competence in international law.
• Judges serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of their governments.

The Court elects a President and Vice-President from among its members for three-year terms. The Registry, headed by the Registrar, functions as the administrative wing of the Court.

Jurisdiction and Functions

The ICJ performs two primary functions:

1. Contentious Jurisdiction:
   • The Court adjudicates disputes between states when they consent to its jurisdiction.
   • Consent may be expressed through special agreements, compromissory clauses in treaties, or by declarations under Article 36(2) of the Statute, accepting compulsory jurisdiction.
   • Decisions are binding on the parties and not subject to appeal.
2. Advisory Jurisdiction:
   • The ICJ issues advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the General Assembly, Security Council, or other authorised UN bodies.
   • These opinions are not legally binding but carry significant weight in shaping international law.

Landmark Cases

Over the decades, the ICJ has delivered several influential judgments and opinions:

• Corfu Channel Case (1949): First contentious case, concerning naval incidents between the United Kingdom and Albania.
• South West Africa Cases (1966): Addressed apartheid and mandate obligations.
• Nicaragua v. United States (1986): Found US support for contra rebels unlawful, reinforcing non-intervention principles.
• Advisory Opinion on Nuclear Weapons (1996): Considered the legality of nuclear weapons under humanitarian law.
• Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (2004): Declared the wall built by Israel contrary to international law.
• Ukraine v. Russian Federation (2017–present): Concerning alleged violations of international treaties in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Relationship with the United Nations

The ICJ is integrally connected to the UN system:

• The General Assembly and Security Council elect its judges.
• Both organs, as well as other specialised agencies, may request advisory opinions.
• Under Article 94 of the UN Charter, member states must comply with ICJ judgments. If they fail, the other party may refer the matter to the Security Council for enforcement, though political considerations often influence outcomes.

Advantages of the ICJ

• Peaceful Dispute Resolution: Provides a neutral forum for states to settle disputes without resorting to armed conflict.
• Development of International Law: Its jurisprudence strengthens clarity and uniformity in international legal principles.
• Universality: All UN member states are automatically parties to its Statute.
• Impartiality: Judges are independent legal experts acting in their personal capacity.

Criticism and Limitations

Despite its importance, the ICJ faces criticisms:

• Consent Requirement: States must voluntarily accept its jurisdiction, limiting its reach.
• Enforcement Challenges: The Court relies on Security Council enforcement, often hindered by the veto power of permanent members.
• Lengthy Proceedings: Cases can take years to resolve, which may reduce effectiveness.
• Exclusion of Non-State Actors: Individuals, NGOs, and corporations cannot bring cases before the Court.

Contemporary Relevance

In the current international system marked by conflicts, territorial disputes, and issues of state responsibility, the ICJ’s role remains central. It not only settles disputes but also provides authoritative interpretations of international law. The Court’s jurisprudence influences areas ranging from sovereignty and territorial integrity to environmental protection and human rights.