Principles of International Law, 7th edition

Principles of International Law is a clear, succinct and accessible guide to the cardinal concepts of public international law, covering its structure, systematic requirements and major substantive topics.

Each chapter contains a clear statement of objectives, a list of key instruments and authorities, a lucid statement of the law, original analysis and commentary, extracts from treaties and other legal instruments, and helpful case summaries and extracts. Problem questions with suggested responses, further discussion questions and an appendix of basic documents are included. The volume provides clear guidance to scholars, legal practitioners and students of law or international relations seeking to improve their knowledge and to extend their understanding of this important subject.

The seventh edition is updated and revised to incorporate the most recent developments in international law across a wide range of areas. Recent decisions of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and other international and domestic tribunals have been added. The extended coverage includes:

• the role of natural law in the juridical foundations of modern international law and human rights
• a refinement of what constitutes State practice (usus)
• the ILC’s Guide to Provisional Application of Treaties
• matters relevant to the interpretation of treaties
• incorporation of customary international law into Australia’s common law
• the ICJ’s Chagos advisory opinion on self-determination
• effective control of State organs placed at an international organisation’s disposal
• the ICJ’s judgments in Armed Activities in the Territory of the Congo (Congo v Uganda) and Jadhav (India v Pakistan) on State responsibility
• juridical origins and foundations of peremptory norms of general international law (jus cogens)
• the ICJ’s disposal of preliminary objections on non-exhaustion of local remedies in Ukraine v Russia
• the ILC’s Draft Articles on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity in respect of alleged offenders of crimes against humanity who are present in a State’s territory
• the judgment of the UK Supreme Court in Bancoult, on the loss of inviolability of a diplomatic mission’s documents and official correspondence
• the ICJ’s judgment in Equatorial Guinea v France on designating a property with the status of ‘premises of the [diplomatic] mission’
• non-existence of proprietary rights for individuals in respect of terra nullius
• the ICJ’s decision on jurisdiction and admissibility in Obligations Concerning Negotiations (Marshall Islands v India)
• a refinement of proof in proceedings before the ICJ
• application of the Torture Convention to cover conduct persons acting in an official capacity on behalf of an entity exercising de facto governmental control over a population
• the ILC’s Draft Articles on Crimes Against Humanity
• clarification of command responsibility by the ICC in Prosecutor v Bemba
• the UN Human Rights Committee’s General Comments No 36 on the right to life and No 37 on the right of peaceful assembly
• the judgment of ITLOS in Norstar (Panama v Italy) on exclusivity of flag State prescriptive jurisdiction over vessels on the high seas
• delimitation of maritime boundaries by acquiescence

Features

• Clear, accessible discussion of international law key principles
• Covers all key topics
• Extensive pedagogic features enhance learning outcomes
• Includes selected primary source documents

Related Titles

• Hall, Law of Contract in Hong Kong: Cases and Commentary, 6th ed, 2019
• Pert, Quick Reference Card: International Law, 2nd ed, 2022
• Triggs, International Law: Contemporary Principles and Practices, 2nd ed, 2011
• Tully, Lewis & Quirico, LexisNexis Study Guide International Law, 2015