International Law Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of International Law, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is International Law?

It refers the rules formed in between two nations which bind them legally for any issues in different jurisdiction. Since there is no such specific rules of international law, but there are treaties conducted between nations and agreement formed by nations by which they abide.

History and Meaning of International Law

International law refers to the legal rules and regulations that govern the behavior and relationships of states and international organizations. It is a body of law that governs the conduct of nations and international organizations and is formally recognized as a legitimate component of the legal order of the world. International law plays a crucial role in regulating international relations, preserving peace, promoting human rights, and facilitating trade and commerce between nations. The history of international law can be traced back to ancient times, but it was mostly unwritten and governed by custom and tradition. Over time, international law became more formalized through treaties and international agreements.

Examples of International Law

  1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: A treaty that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans.

  2. The Geneva Conventions: A series of four treaties and three additional protocols that establish the standards of international humanitarian law for the treatment of war victims.

  3. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: An international treaty that sets out the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of thought and expression, and the right to a fair trial.

Legal Terms Similar to International Law

  1. Domestic law: Refers to the body of law within a particular nation or state.

  2. Human rights law: A subset of international law that focuses on the protection of human rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and movement.

  3. International humanitarian law: A branch of international law that focuses on the protection of civilians and injured soldiers in times of war.