Part II Interpretation Applying the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, A The General Rule, 5 The General Rule: (1) The Treaty, its Terms, and their Ordinary Meaning

Subject(s):

Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties — Good faith — Ordinary meaning (treaty interpretation and) — Object & purpose (treaty interpretation and)

This chapter analyses the principal elements of the general rule for treaty interpretation under Article 31 of the Vienna Convention. It focuses on the components of article 31(1): (1) a treaty; (2) good faith; (3) ordinary meaning of terms; (4) context; and (5) object and purpose. These components constitute the first part of the general rule for interpretation of treaties. The chapter explains the history and development of the provision. Each of the terms is interpreted and its role is analysed in the light of the practice of courts and tribunals as well as by reference to academic studies.