International Law Overview Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which source of international law is defined as establishing rules expressly recognized by contesting states?

  • General principles of law
  • International conventions (correct)
  • Judicial decisions
  • International custom

What is recognized as evidence of a general practice accepted as law?

  • Judicial decisions
  • International custom (correct)
  • International conventions
  • General principles of law

Which of the following is NOT considered a source of international law?

  • Judicial decisions
  • National statutes (correct)
  • General principles of law
  • International conventions

Judicial decisions are categorized as which type of source of international law?

<p>Subsidiary means (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes principles recognized by civilizations that are considered foundational to law?

<p>General principles of law (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The teachings of highly qualified publicists are used as which type of source in international law?

<p>Subsidiary means (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources of international law would most likely be influenced by changes in societal norms?

<p>International custom (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which source of international law primarily concerns the established practices of states?

<p>International custom (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the need for states to coexist peacefully as neighbors?

<p>Practice of tolerance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles states that armed force should only be used in a common interest?

<p>Common interest clause (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?

<p>5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does every state possess under international law according to the principles outlined?

<p>Sovereignty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which UN body is responsible for maintaining international peace and security?

<p>Security Council (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial obligation of states under international law?

<p>To carry out international obligations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which council consists of 193 members?

<p>General Assembly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is not included in the sovereignty of states?

<p>Common defense agreements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which body consists of 54 members focused on social and economic issues?

<p>Economic and Social Council (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the International Court of Justice?

<p>To settle legal disputes between states (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'jus ad bellum' specifically refer to?

<p>Conditions under which states may resort to war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the UN Charter outlines the prohibition of force against states?

<p>Article 2(4) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an exception to the prohibition of force under the UN Charter?

<p>Preemptive strikes against potential threats. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of 'jus in bello'?

<p>The laws governing wartime conduct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements aligns with Article 2 of the UN Charter?

<p>Force may only be used in self-defense against an armed attack. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which right is preserved?

<p>The inherent right of self-defense. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is a valid instance of 'jus ad bellum'?

<p>Defending against a direct military attack. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical timeframe for the General Assembly's annual meeting?

<p>Late September to early January (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often does the General Assembly convene special sessions?

<p>Every few years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to accredit national delegations as members of the UN?

<p>General Assembly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many member states are elected to the Economic and Social Council?

<p>Fifty-four (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term length for member states elected to the Economic and Social Council?

<p>Three years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of the General Assembly?

<p>Setting international economic policy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which entity is responsible for electing members to the Economic and Social Council?

<p>General Assembly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the types of sessions the General Assembly holds?

<p>Regular annual sessions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following former UN Secretary-Generals served before António Guterres?

<p>Kofi Annan (A), Ban Ki-moon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what capacity does the Economic and Social Council operate within the UN framework?

<p>It addresses economic and social issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What response prompted the adoption of the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution?

<p>Soviet Union's vetoes in the Security Council during the Korean War (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action can Member States take according to the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution when the Security Council fails to act?

<p>Request the General Assembly to convene an emergency session (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an emergency session convened under the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution, what can the General Assembly recommend?

<p>Collective measures including ceasefires or armed force (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution adopted?

<p>1950 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which General Assembly Resolution number corresponds to the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution?

<p>Resolution 377A(V) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible measure that the General Assembly might recommend during an emergency session?

<p>Collective military actions if deemed necessary (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant international issue triggered the discussions leading to the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution?

<p>The Cold War dynamics between the US and USSR (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution?

<p>To allow the General Assembly to act when the Security Council cannot (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important limitation of the resolutions passed by the General Assembly under the 'Uniting for Peace' framework?

<p>They cannot impose binding resolutions on member states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the historical contexts influencing the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution's adoption?

<p>Conflicts such as the Korean War and the increasing power of the Soviet Union (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sources of International Law

Rules recognized by states, including conventions, customs, general principles of law, and judicial decisions.

International Conventions

Agreements between states that establish rules.

International Custom

Rules developed from repeated state practice, accepted as law.

General Principles of Law

Basic legal principles recognized by many nations.

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Judicial Decisions

Court rulings that help determine legal rules.

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Teachings of Publicists

Insights from legal experts on international law.

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International Court of Justice

A court that settles legal disputes between states.

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Why UN?

This content does not define why the UN.

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What is the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution?

A UN General Assembly resolution giving the General Assembly the authority to take action on issues of international peace and security when the Security Council is unable to act due to a veto.

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When was the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution adopted?

The 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution was adopted in 1950.

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Why was the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution created?

It was created to address the issue of the Soviet Union's veto power in the Security Council, which was preventing action during the Korean War.

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What can the General Assembly do in an emergency session?

In emergency sessions, the General Assembly can make recommendations, including calling for ceasefires or even the use of armed force if necessary.

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What is the role of Member States in 'Uniting for Peace'?

Member States can request an emergency session of the General Assembly when the Security Council is unable to maintain peace and security.

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UN General Assembly

The main deliberative body of the UN, where all member states can discuss and vote on issues. It meets annually and can convene special sessions on important topics.

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General Assembly Meetings

The General Assembly holds regular annual meetings from late September to early January. Special sessions can be convened for specific issues.

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Who attends the General Assembly?

All member states are represented at General Assembly sessions, with their delegates participating in discussions and votes.

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What are the General Assembly's powers?

The General Assembly can accredit member states to the UN, meaning they can officially participate in its activities.

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UN Economic and Social Council

A subsidiary body of the UN that focuses on economic and social development. It's elected by the General Assembly and has 54 member states.

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Economic and Social Council Membership

The members of the Economic and Social Council are elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms.

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UN Secretary-General

The chief administrative officer of the UN. They lead the organization and are responsible for coordinating its activities.

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Past UN Secretary-Generals

Leaders of the UN from different periods, including António Guterres, Ban Ki-moon, and Kofi Annan.

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Jus ad bellum

The rules about when a state can use force against another state.

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Jus in bello

The rules that govern how states should behave during war.

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Article 2(4) of the UN Charter

A fundamental rule that prohibits states from using or threatening force against each other.

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Self-defense

A state's right to use force in response to an armed attack.

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UN Security Council

The UN body responsible for authorizing the use of force to maintain international peace and security.

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'Uniting for Peace' Resolution

A resolution allowing the General Assembly to act on peace and security when the Security Council is blocked by a veto.

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Good Neighbor Policy

A principle of international relations promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation between nations, emphasizing tolerance and respectful relationships.

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Common Interest

A shared goal or benefit that motivates nations to cooperate and use force only when necessary for the collective good.

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International Law Equality

All states are legally equal under international law, regardless of their size, power or economic status.

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State Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a nation to govern its own territory and people, free from external control.

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State Independence

A state's freedom to make its own decisions and pursue its own interests without undue influence from other states.

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Territorial Integrity

The right of a state to maintain its borders and control its territory without interference from external forces.

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International Obligations

Rules and commitments that states agree to follow under international law, such as treaties and customary norms.

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Study Notes

International Law Overview

  • International law encompasses rules and principles governing relations between states.
  • Key sources of international law include international conventions, custom, and general principles of law.
  • The UN Charter outlines principles like state equality, sovereignty, and the obligation to fulfill international obligations.

UN Charter Principles

  • States are equal under international law.
  • States have full sovereignty.
  • States have full independence and territorial integrity.
  • States should carry out their international obligations.

UN Bodies

  • Security Council (15 members): Primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
  • General Assembly (193 members): Controls finances of UN programs and operations, including peacekeeping.
  • Economic and Social Council (54 members): Deals with economic and social issues.
  • Secretariat (Secretary-General + 7500 staff): Administrative arm of the UN.
  • International Court of Justice (15 Judges): Settles legal disputes between states.
  • Trusteeship Council: Suspended operations since 1994.

UN Personnel

  • Personnel numbers fluctuate, reaching highs in recent years (chart provided).

UN System Structure

  • The UN system includes principal organs, subsidiary bodies, funds, programs, related organizations, specialized agencies (chart on page 8).

Security Council Members

  • 15 members in total: 5 permanent (China, France, Russia, UK, USA) with veto power.
  • 10 non-permanent members with 2-year terms.

Security Council Responsibilities

  • Primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Makes decisions that member states are obligated to implement

Security Council Resolutions

  • Chapter VI of the UN Charter: Pacific Settlement of Disputes.
  • Chapter VII of the UN Charter: Punitive measures against threats to international peace and security.

Article 51 - UN Charter

  • Nothing in the UN Charter impairs the inherent right of self-defense (individual or collective) if an armed attack occurs.

Proposed Security Council Changes

  • Possible changes to the Security Council structure (representation for Japan, Germany, India, Islamic countries, and Latin America/Africa) could require approval from permanent members.

The General Assembly

  • Comprised of 193 countries, plus observer states (Palestine, Vatican).
  • Central role in setting UN policies and finances.

General Assembly Vetoes

  • Various topics generating vetoes over time in the General Assembly.
  • Detailed topics and numbers of vetoes provided.

"Uniting for Peace" Resolution

  • Adopted in 1950 to respond to Soviet Union vetoes during the Korean War.
  • Allows emergency sessions, enabling the General Assembly to take action if the Security Council fails to maintain international peace and security.

UN Economic and Social Council

  • Fifty-four member states, elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms

UN Secretary-Generals

  • Individuals who head the UN Secretariat (photographs).

The Secretariat

  • Administrative body led by the Secretary-General and supporting UN activities.

UN Budget

  • Individual and aggregate budgets for various UN functions, including regular budget and peace-keeping budget(numerical data).

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982)

  • Defines maritime zones and associated rights and responsibilities for states concerning the ocean (graphic).

Right of Innocent Passage

  • Passage through a state's territorial waters is considered innocent as long as it doesn't harm the coastal state's peace, good order, or security.

Territorial Waters

  • Extend from the baseline to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles.
  • Sovereignty and jurisdiction over these waters (including seabed and subsoil, airspace).

Contiguous Zone

  • Extends up to 24nm from the territorial sea baseline.
  • Enforces laws within the zone (such as preventing criminals)

Exclusive Economic Zone

  • Extends 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
  • Grants exclusive rights to the coastal state to exploit or conserve resources within the water or the seabed.

Other UN Laws and Policies

  • Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Agreements establishing rules for countries with and without nuclear weapons.
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, use, and threat of nuclear weapons.
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): UN agency (in Vienna, Austria) responsible for verifying compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
  • Laws of War: Jus ad bellum (conditions of war), Jus in bello (conduct during war).
  • Is the use of nuclear weapons legal?: Extensive material on this multifaceted topic, including court decisions, factors and reasoning.

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International Law - Fall 2024 PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles and sources of international law, including the significance of the UN Charter. This quiz will challenge your understanding of state sovereignty, equality under international law, and the roles of various UN bodies in maintaining global order.

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