International Court of Justice Enforcing the Law?

Origins The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was created in Has 15 judges Is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

Purpose It was to serve as the principle justice arm of the United Nations. Offered legal opinions to international organisations or agencies. But it had no right to try any case Only those cases submitted by members for arbitration.

Weaknesses The idealism of post war society did not fully materialise in the ICJ. Less then 1/3 of the UN’s membership have agreed to accept the ICJ’s authority. Some will only accept the ICJ’s authority in matters. Ie. Not in any internal issues. AcceptReject EgyptRussia IndiaU.S. JapanChina NigeriaFrance U.K.

Who Can Rule Every 3 years elections are held for 5 judges Are elected by UN General Assembly and the Security Council Candidates must be eligible for supreme courts in their home nations Hold their position for 9 years Can be re-elected There cannot be more than 1 judge from any nation.

Power and Legacy Since 1946, the ICJ has passed 92 judgements. But there is no UN police force that can hunt down criminals In Yugoslavia there was a push for peacekeepers to fill this role Most contributing nations to these missions declined or made excuses. Nations in dispute prefer to fight their issues out in the UN Security Council If a nation decides to present their case to the ICJ, the judgment is final Since its creation, there has been no real challenge to any decisions made by the ICJ Despite the fact that there is no way to enforce compliance to their decisions.