Summaries: the best textbooks for international law summarized
Summaries with the best textbooks for international law
- 271 reads
Introduction
Public international law primarily regulates interactions between States. However, international criminal law is mainly concerned with the conduct of individual persons. If persons violate international laws, that imposes the obligation on States to penalise such actions. International criminal law has been rapidly developing following the Second World War. This means that the broader field of international law is increasingly focusing on protecting humans rather than only the interests and obligations of States. An exception to this is that the crime of aggression can only be committed by (high-ranking) State officials. The project of international criminal law is quite recent.. Especially the Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda established in the 1990s have been important for its case law. International criminal courts and tribunals courts do not possess universal jurisdiction. Their rules are not always homogeneous or consistent. This can be explained partially by the fact that international criminal rules derive from a variety of sources. War crimes, for example, have developed from international humanitarian law. Genocide and crimes against humanity have evolved together with international human rights standards. War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression constitute the most important crimes on which international law focuses. These are also the crimes to which the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court is limited......read more
Most lawyers are completely trained in the law of their own jurisdiction. When they leave the borders of their own country, they can feel lost. Comparative law aims to address this problem. But where do you have to start? And which method should you apply?
Becoming interested in comparative law happens most of the time quite naturally. Assume that a lawyer from country A is dealing with a tricky problem and someone suggests that it can help to look at the neighbouring country B. The lawyer finds a similar rule in country B and starts wondering why it’s slightly different. This is how the lawyer will slide into comparative law, he will start to do research at the background of the domestic and foreign legal rules and might even look at country C.
Comparative lawyers often use different classifications when they discuss the objectives of comparative law. Three categories can be distinguished:
knowledge and understanding: knowledge of foreign laws is valuable where these laws are relevant for the domestic legal system. Knowledge of foreign laws can make lawyers of students reflect on their own laws. Next to that, comparative law broadens the understanding of how legal rules work in context.
use of comparative law at the domestic level: foreign law can be an important aid to the legislator. It can provide models of how well different sets of legal rules work in addressing a particular problem. Also judges can make use of foreign law. In some cases conflict of law rules may require them to do so, but in other cases, judges may wish to take the foreign ideas into account. A potential problem may be that the context of foreign law may be different and there may problems concerning national sovereignty.
use at
This chapter aims to consider law, both as a concept and within its wide context.
Law is the set of rules by which a state or community operates; they govern the actions of the subjects and can be enforced by the imposition of penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.
Law is applicable in social, political and economic disciplines; it relates to all citizens. It is a body of rules that concern many different subjects, such as people, animals, companies and institutions. It outlines both substantive rules of law and the procedures people use when law is applied or enforced.
Everyday examples of the laws that relate to citizens include:
Law is necessary to maintain order in society. Without law, the state would be disorganised, leading to chaos. Formal regulation is needed in order to regulate the affairs of not just human activity but also larger companies and public bodies.
It is important to not view law in isolation. Law consists of a set of subjects that all have an impact on each other. Law is at the centre of an interlinked variation of academic disciplines. When studying law, boundaries must be waived; law must be viewed within context. Lawyers must also be aware of the dynamics of law; how it works and why.
Law must be able to provide some guidance about how to conduct oneself. It sets a standard as to how people can be judged. In
.....read moreThe principal actors in international law are nation-states, not individual citizens like in domestic or municipal law. International law is divided into conflict of law, private international law and public international law. The latter is usually termed ‘international law’. Public international law covers relations between states in all their forms, and regulates the operations of the many international institutions. It may be universal or general, binding upon all states, or regional, binding upon a select group of states.
International law has no legislature. There is no system of courts operating outside the situation when both parties agree and recognize the concerned Court. International law is constituted in a very different manner than domestic law. Also, there is no unified system of sanctions in international law, but there are circumstances in which the use of force is regarded as justified and legal. Within the United Nations, the Security Council can impose sanctions upon the determination of a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression. Such sanctions may be economic or military. Another justification of the use of force is in the case of self-defense, but it is bound to rules provided by international law. It is important to realize that states do feel the need to obey the rules of international law, because if they do not act accordingly, the system of international law ceases to exist.
The international system has a horizontal structure; all states are considered equal. In municipal law, the law is above individuals, but in international law the law only exists between the states. Also, in municipal law, the individual has no influence on the creation of law. In international law, states create it themselves, as international law consists mostly of agreements and treaties developed and signed by states. An important element for states in order to obey international law is the principle of reciprocity. States often do not pursue one particular course of action which might bring them short-term gains, because it could disrupt the mesh of reciprocal tolerance which could bring long-term
.....read moreSummaries per chapter with the 2nd edition of International Law by Henriksen
With this book, Anders Henriksen has created a complete overview of international law. The book starts of with the basics of international law. All the important terms are discussed in detail. Comparisons are made between international and national but also EU-law.
After the explanation of the basics, different types of law are discussed. The influence of international law is made clear in this respect. The law of the sea, human rights law, environmental law and economic law all fall under international law for some part, but they differ from each other in certain aspects. What complicates this even more, is that states and international organizations also have established their own rules.
Lastly, it is discussed how international law can be enforced and what happens when it is not obeyed. The book touches on peaceful dispute settlement, use of force, armed conflicts and international criminal law, and the relation between these breaches and solutions of international law.
The book is written especially for students, so everything is neatly structured and clearly explained. This book is perfect for beginning students who are just starting to learn about international law but also provides a very complete and detailed understanding of international law. The fact that de book starts of with the basics and later dives into the more complex issues, makes the material very understandable.
The activities of international organizations are subject to law, and give rise to law. Each and every international organization has a set of rules relating to its own functioning. As international organizations do not exist in a vacuum, their activities are also bound to exercise some influence on other legal systems, and absorb the influence of such systems. While it is possible that international organizations are influenced by, and exert influence on, the law of individual nation-states, the more direct and influential links usually exist within the body of rules known as international law.
Critical legal theory
The law of international organizations is still somewhat immature. On numerous points the law lacks certainty. In particular, international legal doctrine has a hard time coming to terms with the relationship between an international organization and the very states which are its members. On the one hand, the law is supposed to respect the interests of individual states. Yet at the same time, the law must also take the interests of the international community into account. Following the critical legal tradition, international law is bound to swerve back and forth between these two poles of sovereignty and community. It is this tension which makes international legal rules often ultimately uncertain. This tension also reflects in the law of international organizations, for example regarding the so-called principle of attribution of powers. Strict adherents to the notion of state sovereignty will not easily admit the existence of implied powers; yet for the protection of community interests, an implied power may well be deemed desirable.
The main benefit of critical legal theory is its capacity to make visible the inherent tensions and contradictions which help shape the law. In this way it can provide great services in understanding international institutional law.
Defining international organizations
What exactly is an international organization? While it is structurally impossible to define in a comprehensive manner, something which is a social creation (social constructs, created by people in order to help them achieve some purpose) to begin with, it is common in the literature to delimit international organizations in at least some ways. One delimitation often made depends on the body of law governing the activities of the organization. If those activities are governed by international law, we speak of an international organization, or at least of an intergovernmental organization. If those activities are governed by some domestic law, we usually say that the organization in.....read more
The principal actors in international law are nation-states, not individual citizens like in domestic or municipal law. International law is divided into conflict of law, private international law and public international law. The latter is usually termed ‘international law’. Public international law covers relations between states in all their forms, and regulates the operations of the many international institutions. It may be universal or general, binding upon all states, or regional, binding upon a select group of states.
International law has no legislature. There is no system of courts operating outside the situation when both parties agree and recognize the concerned Court. International law is constituted in a very different manner than domestic law. Also, there is no unified system of sanctions in international law, but there are circumstances in which the use of force is regarded as justified and legal. Within the United Nations, the Security Council can impose sanctions upon the determination of a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace or an act of aggression. Such sanctions may be economic or military. Another justification of the use of force is in the case of self-defense, but it is bound to rules provided by international law. It is important to realize that states do feel the need to obey the rules of international law, because if they do not act accordingly, the system of international law ceases to exist.
The international system has a horizontal structure; all states are considered equal. In municipal law, the law is above individuals, but in international law the law only exists between the states. Also, in municipal law, the individual has no influence on the creation of law. In international law, states create it themselves, as international law consists mostly of agreements and treaties developed and signed by states. An important element for states in order to obey international law is the principle of reciprocity. States often do not pursue one particular course of action which might bring them short-term gains, because it could disrupt the mesh of reciprocal tolerance which could bring long-term
.....read moreThe term ‘private international law’ refers to what is known as the ‘conflict of laws’. It covers the body of rules of a State’s domestic law which addresses legal issues with foreign elements; these rules determine which legal rules and jurisdiction are applicable.
A number of institutions are responsible for harmonisation of rules concerning conflict of laws. The Hague Conference on Private International Law, established in 1893 is tasked with the harmonisation of domestic rules on conflict of laws; UNIDROIT is responsible for the harmonisation of commercial domestic laws; UNCITRAL is tasked with harmonising international trade law.
The term ‘transnational law’ primarily connotes the study of the laws of multiple States, comparative law, supranational law, and (commercial) public international law. The study of transnational law gives the impression that the laws of States are becoming ever more similar; however, this is not the case.
International law is generally known as ‘public international law’ (sometimes also as ‘general international law’), in contrast to the public international law described above. It was previously known as the ‘Law of Nations’. Public international law is the product of the actions of States instead of a single national legal system.
The history of public international law is generally said to have started with Hugo Grotius, a Dutch jurist and diplomat, who lived from 1583 to 1645. Another important event in the early history of Public International Law is the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which concluded the end of the Thirty Years’ War and the period of feudalism in European history. It also marked the emergence of the modern nation state with a strong centralised government exercising control over its subjects. These new states were in need of rules to govern conduct between them. From the mid-seventeenth century these rules governing the relations between states evolved into contemporary international law.
Many students of international law question whether it
.....read moreIntroduction
Public international law primarily regulates interactions between States. However, international criminal law is mainly concerned with the conduct of individual persons. If persons violate international laws, that imposes the obligation on States to penalise such actions. International criminal law has been rapidly developing following the Second World War. This means that the broader field of international law is increasingly focusing on protecting humans rather than only the interests and obligations of States. An exception to this is that the crime of aggression can only be committed by (high-ranking) State officials. The project of international criminal law is quite recent.. Especially the Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda established in the 1990s have been important for its case law. International criminal courts and tribunals courts do not possess universal jurisdiction. Their rules are not always homogeneous or consistent. This can be explained partially by the fact that international criminal rules derive from a variety of sources. War crimes, for example, have developed from international humanitarian law. Genocide and crimes against humanity have evolved together with international human rights standards. War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression constitute the most important crimes on which international law focuses. These are also the crimes to which the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court is limited......read more
With this book, Anders Henriksen has created a complete overview of international law. The book starts of with the basics of international law. All the important terms are discussed in detail. Comparisons are made between international and national but also EU-law.
After the explanation of the basics, different types of law are discussed. The influence of international law is made claer in this respect. The law of the sea, human rights law, environmental law and economic law all fall under international law for some part, but they differ from eachother in certain aspects. What complicates this even more, is that states and international organizations also have established their own rules.
Lastly, it is discussed how international law can be enforced and what happens when it is not obeyed. The book touches on peacefull dispute setlement, use of force, armed conflicts and international criminal law, and the relation between these breaches and solutions of international law.
The book is written especially for students, so everything is neatly structured and clearly explained. This book is perfect for beginning students who are just starting to learn about international law but also provides a very complete and detailed understanding of international law. The fact that de book starts of with the basics and later dives into the more complex issues, makes the material very understandable.
Law, as a field of study, delves into the systems of rules and principles that govern human conduct within a society. It encompasses the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of these rules to establish order, protect rights, and achieve justice.
Law is crucial for:
Criminal law is a field of study that focuses on the legal principles and procedures involved in crimes and their punishment. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to:
Criminal law encompasses a wide range of offenses, with some key sub-areas:
Several figures have shaped criminal law:
Criminal law is crucial for:
Criminal law professionals work in various settings:
The history of law, also known as legal history, is a fascinating field that delves into the evolution of legal systems and concepts throughout time.
Private law is a fundamental branch of law that governs the relationships between individuals and businesses. It focuses on resolving disputes and establishing frameworks for fair and orderly interactions in the private sphere, distinct from the relationship between the government and its citizens (public law).
Fiscal law focuses on the legal framework surrounding a government's ability to raise and spend money. It encompasses:
The international legal order is decentralized. Explain what this decentralized nature means. How is this reflected in the way law is made, enforced and disputes are settled? Make a comparison with the situation in the Dutch Legal order.
There are a number of functions of international law. Name and shortly describe three functions of international law.
When we talk about ‘international law’ we actually mean ‘public international law’ which must be distinct from ‘private international law’. Explain the difference between public international law and private international law.
The field of public international law consists of many more specific fields. Name and describe at least three of these fields.
As a law student, you will follow courses on European Law, being the law of the European Union. Does this field of law fall under public international law? Explain why or why not.
The international legal system is characterized as decentralized because of the absence of a concentration of power, or a central authority responsible for establishing, applying and enforcing rules of international law.
International law consist of a community of equal parties (States), that make the rules themselves (by treaty and custom), settle their own disputes (arbitration and jurisdiction only with the consent of the States concerned), and impose sanctions on each other (countermeasures).
In the Dutch legal order, the rules are made by the legislater, disputes are settled by the courts, and sanctions are imposed by the authorities.
Order and stability, justice and dispute-settlement. Peace has to do with all these three things. The main purpose of
.....read moreJoin with a free account for more service, or become a member for full access to exclusives and extra support of WorldSupporter >>
There are several ways to navigate the large amount of summaries, study notes en practice exams on JoHo WorldSupporter.
Do you want to share your summaries with JoHo WorldSupporter and its visitors?
Main summaries home pages:
Main study fields:
Business organization and economics, Communication & Marketing, Education & Pedagogic Sciences, International Relations and Politics, IT and Technology, Law & Administration, Medicine & Health Care, Nature & Environmental Sciences, Psychology and behavioral sciences, Science and academic Research, Society & Culture, Tourisme & Sports
Main study fields NL:
JoHo can really use your help! Check out the various student jobs here that match your studies, improve your competencies, strengthen your CV and contribute to a more tolerant world
542 |
Add new contribution