Answer By law4u team
International Law is a body of legal rules, agreements, and principles that govern the relations and interactions between sovereign states and other international actors like international organizations, multinational corporations, and individuals. It is not enacted by a single legislature like national laws, but is formed through treaties, customs, general principles of law, judicial decisions, and writings of legal scholars. Main purposes of International Law: To maintain peace and security among nations To promote friendly relations and cooperation To ensure respect for human rights To regulate trade, environment, sea laws, war conduct, and diplomatic relations Branches of International Law: Public International LawGoverns relationships between states and international organizations. Examples: UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, Law of the Sea Private International Law (Conflict of Laws)Deals with disputes between private individuals or entities involving foreign elements. Example: A marriage or contract between citizens of two countries. Supranational LawLaws that apply to member countries of certain international organizations where they have given up some sovereignty. Example: European Union law for EU countries. Sources of International Law (as per Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice): International Treaties and Conventions (e.g., Paris Agreement) International Custom (general practices accepted as law) General Principles of Law recognized by civilized nations Judicial decisions of international courts (e.g., ICJ, ICC) Academic writings of legal experts Enforcement: Unlike national laws, enforcement of international law depends on the consent and cooperation of states. There is no single global police or parliament. However, international courts (like the International Court of Justice or International Criminal Court) and UN bodies play key roles in dispute resolution and enforcement. Examples of international law in action: World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes between countries Maritime boundary resolutions under UNCLOS War crime trials at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Human rights enforcement by UN bodies In summary, International Law ensures peaceful co-existence and cooperation among nations, defines global responsibilities, and protects both state and individual rights in the global community.