What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945. Its primary role is to settle legal disputes between states and give advisory opinions on international legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.

What types of cases does the ICJ hear?

The ICJ hears disputes between states, addressing issues such as territorial sovereignty, boundary disputes, diplomatic relations, and the interpretation of treaties. Only states, not individuals or international organizations, can be parties to cases before it.

Are the ICJ's decisions legally binding?

Yes, the judgments of the ICJ are legally binding on the states that are parties to the particular case. States are obliged to comply with the Court's decisions, though enforcement mechanisms can be complex and may require UN Security Council action.

What is the difference between the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

The ICJ resolves disputes between states (countries), while the ICC prosecutes individuals for international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. They operate independently, though both are based in The Hague.