Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date

Spring 2022

Academic Department

Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Oya Dursun-Ozkanca

Abstract

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), one of the primary organs of the United Nations, was created to serve as a court that handles matters between states and nations. Its purposes are to serve the international community and adjudicate general disputes in accordance with international law. The close relationship of the court to the Security Council should allow, in theory, for an unbiased legal exchange between the Court’s Judges and the members of the Security Council on any international dispute between the nations subject to the Court’s jurisdiction. The Court has contributed, since its creation, to establish guidelines for crucial legal questions, such as human rights, and has continued to provide the necessary legal framework to allow for a peaceful resolution of conflicts between nations. They have closely aided the Security Council with advisory opinions fulfilling their role as the primary legal body within the international sphere and promoting the UN goal of international peace and security. However, over the years the political culture in each country and between member states has become increasingly more evident, not only in the UN General Council but also in the Security Council, through the increased use of the veto powers given to the permanent member states. This trend is traceable through the International Court of Justice, as the judges for each country have voted in cases along the lines of the official policies of the governments by which they were appointed.

Notes

Honors in the Discipline; PS 490 Senior Thesis

Download

Share

COinS