What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an international court based in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the primary judicial branch of the United Nations and one of the primary justices of international law. The ICJ settles disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal matters. Its primary purpose is to interpret and enforce international law. The ICJ is composed of 15 independent judicial members known as judges. These judges are elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council for a nine-year term. These judges come from a variety of different backgrounds and legal systems, giving the court a broad base of international legal knowledge. The ICJ has the power to pass judgments on cases brought to it by nations. These judgments are legally binding, and if not followed, it is possible for states to take the case to the UN Security Council. States can also accept the judgment of the ICJ and have it enforced either by their own country or by the Security Council. In the state of South Dakota, the ICJ has no authority, as it is an international court that deals only with disputes between states. However, international law could still be relevant to South Dakota, depending on the nature of the international issue. For example, many agreements made between South Dakota and other countries would have to adhere to international law, and if the dispute regarding these agreements is serious enough, it could be taken to the ICJ for arbitration and binding judgment.

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What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

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