The Basics of International Law

International law refers to a body of rules that are binding on nations and individuals. The main goals of this body of law are peace and security among nations. It is a very complex field that has numerous applications, but in the end it is meant to provide fundamental rights and security for all people. Several aspects of international laws are codified in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which was created in 1998. The ICJ has the mandate to hear cases from all over the world, including war crimes.

The rise of international law started in the nineteenth century with the rise of powerful states in Europe. During this time, technology also developed and warfare became more sophisticated. As a result, international law was necessary to govern the behaviour of states. The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in 1863 and helped to promote the Geneva Conventions, which dealt with the humanisation of conflict. This led to a number of important developments for international law.

Although states are primarily the subject of international law, some organizations are also bound by it. For example, the Maltese Order and the Holy See are subjects of international law. These organizations have the ability to regulate a number of activities and are subject to international legislation. Furthermore, their participation in various organizations provides them with the capacity to enforce their own domestic laws and regulations. However, this system of international law is not always enforceable and states are free to choose not to abide by its rules.