Its seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands)
It replaced the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ)
Only States may apply to and appear before the Court
It has two official languages
Basics English and French
Everything written or said in one language is translated into the other
A Statute which forms part of the Charter
Operates under Its own Rules
Such as war criminals
Has no criminal jurisdiction and cannot try individuals
Decides in accordance with
International treaties and conventions in force
International custom
Sources of applicable law The general principles of law
As subsidiary means
International
Court of Justice Judicial decisions
The teachings of the most highly qualified publicists
Advisory Opinions
Five organs
Open solely to UN organizations 16 agencies
Since 1946, It has given 25 Advisory Opinions
Admission to United Nations membership
South-West Africa (Namibia)
Territorial status of
Western Sahara
The legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons
Judgments rendered by international administrative tribunals
The legal disputes submitted to it by States
To settle
In accordance with international law
To give advisory opinions
Functions Has a twofold role
On legal questions referred to it
By duly authorized international organs and agencies
15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office
Only one judge of any nationality
Composition
The main forms of civilization
It has to reflect The principal legal systems of the world
ICJ-I.mmap - 28/01/2009 -