VIII The Court and the Future, 17 The Court at 70: Concluding Reflections

Subject(s):

Judges — Codification

This concluding chapter reflects on the developments made by the Court since its inception as the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ). Throughout the years the Court has been the subject of much international commendation for its important and valuable contribution to the settlement of present international disputes, and to the settlement of future disputes through the establishment and clarification of international law. However, the Court has also faced criticisms and even arguments urging for reform. The chapter addresses this and other relevant issues raised in recent years. Despite the commendations it has received, the Court has not met the expectations of these critics; hence the chapter looks inward to the composition of the Court and its functions, arguing for the Court’s merits even as it also concedes that the Court itself is not perfect.