Its seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands)

It replaced the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ)

Only States may apply to and appear before the Court
It has two official languages

Basics English and French

Everything written or said in one language is translated into the other

A Statute which forms part of the Charter

Operates under Its own Rules

Such as war criminals

Has no criminal jurisdiction and cannot try individuals

Decides in accordance with

International treaties and conventions in force

International custom
Sources of applicable law The general principles of law

As subsidiary means
International
Court of Justice Judicial decisions
The teachings of the most highly qualified publicists

Advisory Opinions

Five organs
Open solely to UN organizations 16 agencies

Since 1946, It has given 25 Advisory Opinions

Admission to United Nations membership

South-West Africa (Namibia)
Territorial status of
Western Sahara
The legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons
Judgments rendered by international administrative tribunals

The legal disputes submitted to it by States

To settle
In accordance with international law

To give advisory opinions

Functions Has a twofold role
On legal questions referred to it
By duly authorized international organs and agencies

15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office

Only one judge of any nationality
Composition
The main forms of civilization
It has to reflect The principal legal systems of the world
ICJ-I.mmap - 28/01/2009 -