Book V International Disputes and Courts, 25 The International Court of Justice

Subject(s):

Diplomatic relations — Since World War II — UN Charter — Governments

This chapter showcases the International Court of Justice. Located in the Peace Palace at The Hague, the Court was established by the United Nations Charter as a forum for settling international disputes. It is now one of a number of international courts, but it remains the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Most of the detailed provisions relating to its functions and powers are to be found in the Statute of the Court which is annexed to the UN Charter and forms an integral part of it. While few diplomats in the course of their careers are likely to appear before the Court as representatives of their governments, the use of the Court to settle disputes, and the impact of the Court’s decisions more generally, are significant features of the conduct of international affairs.