Evolving Principles of International Law


Book Description

This volume offers an overview of some emerging trends and structural patterns in the development of international law, highlighting its evolution over the course of time, and discussing leading principles through various different thematic lenses.




The Evolution of Sustainable Development in International Law: Inception, Meaning and Status


Book Description

Also available as an e-book In a relatively short time the concept of “sustainable development” has become firmly established in the field of international law. The World Commission on Environment and Development concisely defined sustainable development as follows: “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This definition takes into account the needs of both the present and future generations as well as the capacity of the earth and its natural resources which by clear implication should not be depleted by a small group of people (in industrialized countries). The aim of this book is threefold : to review the genesis and to clarify the meaning of the concept of sustainable development, as well as to assess its status within public international law. Furthermore, it examines the legal principles that have emerged in the pursuit of sustainable development. Lastly, it assesses to what extent the actual evolution of law demonstrates the balance and integration with all pertinent fields of international law as urged by the Rio, Johannesburg, and World Summit documents. This is the second volume in the Hague Academy of International Law Pocket Book series; it contains the text of the course given at the Hague Academy by Professor Schrijver.




The United Nations, the Evolution of Global Values and International Law


Book Description

In this book, author Otto Spijkers describes how moral values determined the founding of the United Nations Organization in 1945, and the evolution of its purposes, principles, and policies since then. A detailed examination of the proceedings of the UN Conference on International Organization in San Francisco demonstrates that the drafting of the UN Charter was significantly influenced by global moral values, i.e. globally-shared beliefs distinguishing right from wrong, good from bad, and the current from a preferable state-of-the-world. A common desire - to eradicate war, poverty, inhuman treatment, and to halt the exploitation of peoples - has led to an affirmation of the values of peace and security, social progress and development, human dignity, and the self-determination of all peoples. All these values ended up in the UN Charter. The book further analyzes how the UN, and especially its General Assembly, has continued to influence the maturing of global morality through contributions to the values debate, and to the translation of these values into the language of international law, including the law on the use of force, sustainable development, human rights, and the right to self-determination. (Series: School of Human Rights Research - Vol. 47)




The Theory of Self-Determination


Book Description

In this book, leading scholars re-examine the principle of national self-determination from diverse theoretical perspectives.




International Law


Book Description

International Law: Evolving Doctrine and Practice offers a flexible arrangement of materials for the teaching of an introductory course in international law. The inspiration for the book's editorial approach is the recognition that each professor comes to the study of international law from a variety of normative, critical, or interdisciplinary perspectives, and that the materials should be flexible enough to accommodate all comers. With this goal of pedagogical ecumenism in mind, the chapters present a variety of critical approaches to international law without letting one particular view dominate, though taken together the materials highlight the evolving nature of international legal doctrine and those areas where its legal norms remain contested or controversial. Sprinkled through each chapter are short Problem Cases--less than a page in length--that give students the opportunity to apply the doctrine to a unique fact pattern. The Problem Cases are presented in modular text boxes that can form the basis for rich classroom discussions or simply reserved for background reading at home, whichever the professor wishes. In addition to the typical array of chapters on sources and subjects of international law, human rights, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, the use of force, and humanitarian intervention, the book also includes chapters on international economic law and environmental law, including a consideration of the challenge posed by climate change.




The Evolution and Transformation of International Law


Book Description

Developments in International Law, from the Peace of Westphalia to the Post-United Nations Charter




Evolution and Status of the Precautionary Principle in International Law


Book Description

The controversial question of whether or not at present the precautionary principle is to be considered a norm of customary international law is the key theme of this work, which treats the issue as part of a broader discussion of the principle's legal status on the international plane. This discussion, In turn, Is put in perspective by an account of the short but remarkable history of the principle in international environmental law and policy. The greater part of this study consists of the mapping and analysis of state practice in respect of the precautionary principle. Pertinent treaties, declarations, decisions of international organizations and domestic instruments pass in review. The book then applies the generally accepted principles governing the formation of customary international law to this body of state practice. This manuscript was awarded the François Prize 2001 by the Netherlands Society of International Law / Netherlands Branch of the ILA. `[The precautionary principle] has been cited in an increasing number of legal proceedings, including those in the International Court of Justice, The International Tribunal For The Law of the Sea And The WTO Appellate Body, As well as in the courts of a large number of states, including the supreme courts of India and Canada.' (from the Preface by the Series Editors)




The Evolving Dimensions of International Law


Book Description

This book examines recent developments in sources of public international law, such as treaties and custom operating among nations in their mutual relations, as well as developments in some of the primary rules of law international institutions created by these processes. It finds that public international law has become increasingly dysfunctional in dealing with some of the primary problems facing the world community, such as the maintenance of international peace and security, violations of international human rights and the law of armed conflict, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and international environmental issues, and that international law and international institutions face a problematic future. It concludes, however, that all is not lost. There are possible alternative futures for international law and legal process, but choosing among them will require the world community making hard choices.




The Changing Structure of International Economic Laws


Book Description

Study on changing structure of international law and economic legislation - discusses definition, historical background, institutional framework, role of international organizations, comparative law and legal theory contributing to the debate on a new international economic order; includes a literature survey and the text of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States (General Assembly Resolution No. 3281).




The Evolving Dimensions of International Law


Book Description

This book examines recent developments in sources of public international law, such as treaties and custom operating among nations in their mutual relations, as well as developments in some of the primary rules of law international institutions created by these processes. It finds that public international law has become increasingly dysfunctional in dealing with some of the primary problems facing the world community, such as the maintenance of international peace and security, violations of international human rights and the law of armed conflict, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and international environmental issues, and that international law and international institutions face a problematic future. It concludes, however, that all is not lost. There are possible alternative futures for international law and legal process, but choosing among them will require the world community making hard choices.