International law is the body of law that regulates or governs the activities of entities possessing international personality. The rules of international law are formed by the consent of all states. International law is the rules and principles of general application dealing with the conduct of states and of international organizations and with their relations inter se, as well as with some of their relations with persons, where it is judicial or natural.
International law is needed for conducting international relations, to maintain world peace and order and to create good and friendly relationship between states. Article 38(1) of the Statute of International Court of Justice is widely known as the most authoritative statement as to the sources of international law. The court decides cases or international disputes on the basis of:
- international convention or treaties
- international customs
- the general principles of law
- judicial decisions and the teachings of the scholars
What are the Sources of International Law
Followings are the sources of international law:
- International treaties
- Customs
- General principles of law
- Judicial decisions
- Writings of scholars
- Decisions of international organizations
- State practice
- Legitimate interest
- Equity and justice
- Theory and morality
- United Nations conventions and resolutions
- International Court of Justice