PIL
PIL
Introduction
To understand the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law, it is important to
know the link between the two laws. International Law is a set of rules and actions related to
national behaviour. In other words, International Law is a set of rules that apply when States
interact. On the other hand, Municipal law is also known as the National Law of the country. There
are various theories to recognize the difference between these two laws.
The relationship between international law and municipal law has traditionally been characterized
from a monist or dualist perspective. While this characterization remains contested, the approach a
country adopts has a great significance for the effectiveness and application of international law
within the domestic legal system.
The conflict has led to the emergence of different theories. Prominent among them are as follows :-
1. Dualistic theory
2. Monistic theory
According to dualistic theory, International law and municipal laws of the several States are two
distinct, separate and self-contained legal systems. Being separate systems, International Law would
not as such form part of the internal law of a state.
Dualistic view of the relationship between International law and municipal laws was developed by a
prominent German scholar Triepel in 1899. For him, International Law and domestic or municipal
law existed on separate planes and hence, there is a difference between International Law and
Municipal Laws, the former governing international relations, the latter relating between individuals
and between the individual and the state.
The theory was later on followed by Italian jurist Anzilotti. Starke says that the theory represents two
entirely distinct legal systems International Law having an instrinsically different character from that
of State Law. The above authors are of the view that the two systems of law differ from each other
on the following grounds:-
(a) Regarding Sources – According to dualists, while the sources of municipal laws are custom grown
up within the boundaries of the states, the sources of International Laws are custom grown up
among the States and law- making treaties concluded by them.
(b) Regarding Subjects – Municipal law regulates the relations between the individual and corporate
entities, International Law regulates primarily the relations between States.
(c) Regarding Principles – Municipal laws in a state are obeyed because they are the principles of
State Legislatures, International Law is obeyed because of principle of pacta sunt servanda. Thus
International law is followed because States are morally bound to observe them.
(d) Regarding Dynamism of the Subject Matter – Subject Matter of the two systems are also
different. While the subject matter of international law has always remained dynamic, the subject
matter of the municipal law is limited.
Criticisms of Dualist theory of relation between International law and municipal laws
Firstly, the view that international law and municipal law differ from each other implies that
international law cannot be a part of municipal law. It’s not correct because there are certain
fundamental principles of international law which are binding upon a state, even against its own will.
Secondly, it is not correct to say that international law regulates the relations of states only at
present it regulates certain activities of individuals as well.
Thirdly, no doubt, pacta sunt servanda is an important principle of international law, but it cannot be
said that it is the only principle on which international law rests. There are certain rules which are
legally binding on a State.
Monistic theory was founded by two German scholars, Moser ( 1701-1785) & Martens ( 1756-1821).
According to Monistic theory, municipal law as well as international law are parts of one universal
legal system serving the needs of the human community in one way or another.
According to Monism, all laws are made for individuals only. While municipal law is binding on them
directly, international law is binding on them through States. Since both the laws are meant to solve
the problems of human beings in different areas; they are related to each other. According to them,
the subjects of both legal systems are ultimately individuals.
According to this theory, relationship betweeninternational law and municipal law should be
considered as manifestations of a single concept of law. Because there is no difference between
these.
Criticisms of Dualist theory of relationship between International law and municipal laws
It is very difficult to disapprove the view of kelsen that man lies at the root of all laws. But in actual
practice, States do not follow this theory. They contend that Municipal law and international law are
two separate systems of law. Further, each state is sovereign and as such is bot bound by
international law. States follow international laws simply they give their consent to be bound and on
account of other reasons.
The British said that they were the originators of this concept when Sir Edward Cox stated that the
King obeyed God and the Law, which would eventually abolish the Rule of Law in the business of the
Chief Executive. Professor Albert Venn Dicey later developed this concept. He was an individualist.
He wrote about the concept of the Rule of Law at the end of the golden age of Victoria Laissez-Faire
in England. For this reason, the concept of Dicey’s law is useless.
The doctrine of the rule of law has been classified into three meanings in Dicey’s book. The three
meanings include:
Conclusion
Municipal and International legal system operate in their own domain without any presumption of
conflict or hostility to each other. Both International law and municipal laws are related.
Both systems are important and mutually supportive and interactive with each other in
contemporary context in relation to many trans-boundary issues. For example, state has the
secondary responsibility lies with international authority formed under international law.
International law is not concerned at all about domestic law unless domestic law or domestic Act
infringes or violates the assumed or assigned international obligation ( for that State) emanating
from international law. Examples can be taken from forms of government or South African apartheid
policy under article 4 ( discriminates indigenous black voters) of the Electoral Act as well as in the
constitution of South Africa violated an obligation as they assumed by ratifying 1965 UN Convention
on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Here the obligation of domestic law comes into conflict
with international obligation.
Kelsen also believes that International Law covers all aspects of human life. Monistic theorists view
that International Law does not come under any Law, rather Municipal Laws are a part of
International Law.
International law refers to a set of rules and principles that govern the
entities.
• It is a system of rules that countries and other international actors agree to follow
diplomacy, trade, human rights, environmental protection, and the use of force.
between states, the acknowledgment by states that these rules are binding in
their interactions, and the derivation of these rules from customs and treaties.
international law:
For instance, treaties and alliances were common among various city-states in
ancient Greece.
2. Roman Law: The Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire contributed to
principles.
Middle Ages:
1. Canon Law: During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church played a significant
role in shaping legal norms. Canon law, which governed relations within the
2. Treaties and Diplomacy: Medieval Europe saw the emergence of treaties and
peace and commerce, laid the foundation for modern international agreements.
1. Peace of Westphalia (1648): The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty
His work, such as "The Law of War and Peace" (1625), emphasized natural law
1. Emergence of International Institutions: The 18th and 19th centuries saw the
international law. Notable examples include the Lieber Code during the American
Civil War and the Hague Conventions at the turn of the 20th century.
20th Century:
1. League of Nations: The aftermath of World War I led to the establishment of the
League of Nations in 1920. While the League had limited success, it laid the
security.
2. United Nations (1945): The United Nations, founded after World War II, marked
Treaties such as the Genocide Convention (1948) and the Universal Declaration of
Contemporary Period:
1. Expansion of International Law: The latter half of the 20th century and the
early 21st century have seen the continued expansion of international law. Treaties,
Introduction
Austin’s Perspective
As per Austin’s view, the lack of a single sovereign power over the worldwide
community indicates that International Law does not fall under the notion of
law. International agreements and conventions are created through the
consent of states, but they lack the centralized enforcement mechanisms
found in domestic legal systems. According to this viewpoint, international law
is essentially a moral code that has no real legal force behind it.
Oppenheim’s Perspective
Conclusion
The debate over whether International Law qualifies as a true law remains a
complex and multifaceted issue. While some jurists, following John Austin's
perspective, argue that it lacks the characteristics of a genuine legal system
due to the absence of a single sovereign authority and a centralized
enforcement mechanism, others like Lassa Oppenheim, propose a more
inclusive definition that acknowledges the unique nature of International Law.
Ultimately, the question of whether International Law is “true law” may come
down to interpretation and viewpoint more than a definitive conclusion. Even
though International Law does not easily fit into the conventional framework of
domestic legal systems, it is clear that it plays a role in regulating states’
actions in the International Arena. The ongoing debate highlights the need for
continued discussion and exploration of the evolving concept of International
Law in the contemporary world.
International law emanates from a number of sources. IL does not come from
for international law. Sources of international law come into two categories –
formal
source and material source. Formal being the process or mechanism by which a
binding legal rule or obligation is created. Material being the source which
identifies or specifies the content of the rule. Sources of international law are
vital for establishing the validity of legal rules. In regard to what the sources
of international law are, Article 38(1) of the ICJ Statute provides that: “The
Court, whose function is to decide in accordance with international law such
disputes as are submitted to it, shall apply:
(d) Subject to the provisions of Article 59, judicial decisions and the teaching
of the
most highly qualified publicists of various nations, as subsidiary means for the
and custom. Treaties and custom are two key formal sources of international
law.
1. TREATIES
International law is based on consent and when signing a treaty, you have
given consent.
International treaties are also known as conventions (which is the first source
referred to in
Article 38(1) of the ICJ Statute), but they’re also known as acts, covenants and
protocols.
voluntary and are agreements between two or more states. Treaties are only
viable/binding
on states that have signed it. Furthermore, treaties create specific rights and
obligations and
The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) Article 2 (1) defines
‘treaty’ as “an
international law…”. Treaties are the most stable source of international law
and a more
formal method of law creation and the only way states can consciously create
intentional
law.
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STRENGTHS OF TREATIES:
Treaties are legally binding. States have a legal obligation to enforce and
respect
party to UN human rights treaties, it will have to adjust its domestic law to
adhere to
treaty standards.
WEAKNESS OF TREATIES:
voluntary to ratify.
- Custom in legal sense means something more than mere habit or usage.
law’.
2 Secondly, they must have belief that such practice is required by law, in
other words
- State practice and opinion juris are the two ingredients of customary
- In the Asylum case, the court accepted that a custom could be established
STATE PRACTICE:
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- There must be evidence that states had conducted themselves in the area of
law
in a manner that bound them. The conduct of States was consistent with the
rules that are now deemed as customary rules of law. And instances where a
issue
- Time, per se, is not the essence of custom, but it helps if the custom in
question
- It is more important that many states practice a particular custom and that
they
do so consistently.
- Constant and uniform usage must be accepted as law. This makes the usage
legal.
OPINIO JURIS:
- Opinio juris is a shortened form of the Latin phrase opinio juris sive
necessitatis,
- For the OJ element to be satisfied states must believe that the practice is
required
that a mere act of omission for its own sake does not constitute a customary
rule.
OR?
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- In this case it was also established that states must act voluntarily to
constitute
DEFINITION:
CONCEPTS:
- The concept of jus cogens was put forward in the 1960’s by socialist and
developing states, who promoted certain rules deriving from treaty and
custom
53.
EXAMPLES:
Prohibition of aggression
Right to self-determination
Prohibition of genocide
Prohibition of torture
IMPACT:
- Jus cogens rules can impact treaty provisions, reservations to treaties and
DEFINITION:
- Article 38(1)c of the Vienna Convention says the court may consider “the
general
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Tribunals that is general principles of equity and fairness within the scope of
paragraph 1(c)”.
5. JUDICIAL DECISIONS:
make law they merely identify and declare pre-existent law, established by
Article
59 of the ICJ Statute. Article further explains decisions of court will not have
any
binding power but only bind relevant parties in the particular case.
- Practically the issue of whether the courts function really is limited to the
The definitions highlight the fact that the state consists of four basic components. (1) population,
(2) territory, (3) government, and (4) sovereignty are the four categories (or independence). The
state’s physical or material basis is made up of the first two parts, while its political and spiritual
basis is made up of the last two.
Aristotle established the broad notion that a state’s population should be large enough to be
sufficient yet small enough to allow for good governance. It’s important to recall that they were
both thinking in terms of little city-states.
Rousseau set the figure at 10,000 in contemporary times, inspired by ideas of direct democracy.
States now range in size from the hundreds in Monaco or San Marino to the billions in China or
India. Large states are favoured in today’s world. All that can be argued is that having a big
population is beneficial in terms of military defence.
A huge population, on the other hand, might be a problem if the state’s resources are insufficient
to support it. Overpopulation is one of the most serious issues that developing countries confront.
As a result, there should be a healthy equilibrium between a state’s population number and its
material wealth.
2. Territory: A defined and more or less permanent territory is also considered an essential
aspect of the state. Citizens in contemporary times are linked by their shared living on a
common land. A state’s territory is made up of land, sea, and air space.
There is no limit to area, just as there is no limit to population. Small and big states coexist in the
world. All states, regardless of population or size, have the same status and rights under
international law. Small states are said to be ideal for efficient administration and creating a
sense of unity and affection for the state among the people.
A small state, on the other hand, is at a disadvantage in its ties with larger states. Small states
are influenced by one or more major and strong countries. It is argued in favour of big states
because they are powerful in defence and economically self-sufficient due to resource
availability.
It should be noted that a state’s strength and security are not only defined by the size of its
territory. Other considerations include geographic position, resources, and climate.
3. Government: A group of individuals who occupy a specific region cannot create a state
unless they are politically organised, that is, unless they have a government. The
state’s political organisation is known as the government. It is a tangible and visible
expression of governmental authority.
Government, according to Garner, is the institution that determines common policies and
regulates common affairs. The government is the medium through which the state wills and acts.
Government must be effective; it must be capable of maintaining order and ensuring compliance.
There would be chaos and anarchy without a government, and the state would eventually
dissolve.
The legislature, executive, and judiciary are the three branches of government. The legislature
creates laws, the executive implements them, and the court decides on cases and disputes.
Different states have different types of governance, such as monarchy, democracy, and
dictatorship. Democracies make up the majority of developed countries. India, like many other
developing countries, has democratic governments. Whatever kind of government is used, one
thing is certain: without government, there can be no state.
4. Sovereignty:
Sovereignty is the ability to control one’s own state’s sovereignty is by far the most important
characteristic. It is the feature that sets the state apart from all other institutions. It refers to the
ultimate power or authority over which there is no appeal.
Internal and external components of sovereignty exist. Internally, the state wields absolute
control over all persons and organisations inside its defined territory. It has the power to compel
people to obey its laws and commands. Externally, the state is independent and not in control of
any foreign power. India was not a state before independence since it was ruled by the British.
Similarly, the Indian federation is made up of several component entities referred to as “states,”
but they are not states in international law since they are not sovereign. Similarly, because it is
not sovereign, the United Nations (UN) is not a state.
5. International Recognition-
In recent times, international relations have strengthened, and several international organisations
and institutions have emerged. As a result, some academics contend that international
recognition is a necessary element of statehood. International recognition refers to other
countries acknowledging a new state’s sovereign sovereignty.
However, there is no agreement on how many nations must recognise a new state in order for it
to be recognised as a state under international law. There is also a political dimension to
recognition. China has been a full-fledged country for many years before the United Nations was
founded in 1945.
Conclusion
There are billions of people on the planet, and hundreds of thousands in our state, nation, and
country, each with their own unique perspective on fundamental topics. In most situations,
differences lead to division and conflict. Despite our differences in terms of territorial borders,
ethnic groups, and religion, we all share a similar goal: to enhance the society we live in and the
people who live in it. This is what ties together different states, nations, and countries.
In the complex landscape of international relations, the concepts of de facto and de jure
recognition play crucial roles in determining the legitimacy and status of states, governments,
and territorial entities. These terms, rooted in Latin, are fundamental in understanding how
nations interact with each other and navigate diplomatic relationships. Let's delve deeper into
what de facto and de jure recognition entail and how they shape the global political arena.
De Facto Recognition:
entity by other actors in the international community, regardless of its legal status. This
recognition is based on the existence of effective control and functioning governance within a
defined territory, rather than adherence to formal legal norms or international treaties.
In essence, de facto recognition acknowledges the factual reality of a situation on the ground. It
often arises in scenarios where a government or entity effectively exercises authority over a
territory, despite lacking legal recognition or endorsement from the international community.
territory, or governments that have come to power through non-legal means such as coups or
revolutions.
De facto recognition can have significant implications for diplomatic relations, trade agreements,
and regional stability. While it may not confer full legitimacy in the eyes of the international
realities and can pave the way for eventual de jure recognition.
De Jure Recognition:
Contrary to de facto recognition, de jure recognition pertains to the formal and legal
accordance with established international law and diplomatic protocols. This recognition is based
and recognition by other recognized states. De jure recognition carries greater weight and
legitimacy in international relations. It signifies
acceptance of a state's legal status and rights under international law, including participation in
international organizations, treaties, and diplomatic conventions. States that enjoy de jure
recognition benefit from diplomatic privileges and protections afforded by the international
community.
Achieving de jure recognition is often a complex and multifaceted process, involving diplomatic
conflicts. While de jure recognition is typically the ultimate goal for states seeking legitimacy on
the world stage, it may be subject to political considerations, strategic interests, and the
dynamics
The interplay between de facto and de jure recognition can shape geopolitical dynamics and
influence the resolution of conflicts and disputes. In some cases, de facto recognition may
community. Conversely, the absence of de facto recognition can undermine attempts to secure
de
Moreover, discrepancies between de facto and de jure recognition can lead to diplomatic
tensions, regional instability, and protracted conflicts. States that lack de jure recognition may
face challenges in accessing international aid, participating in global forums, and asserting their
rights on the world stage. Conversely, states that withhold de jure recognition may leverage their
relations, reflecting the intricate balance between political realities and legal principles. While de
facto recognition acknowledges the practical existence of states and entities, de jure recognition
confers legitimacy and legal status under international law. Understanding the nuances of these
concepts is essential for navigating the complexities of global diplomacy and fostering peaceful
totality of rights and duties under the International law. Rights and
duties of the States are
and International Crimes. The State responsibility during the war has
been generally accepted in
State or by the act of Individual. The responsibility of the state for its
own act is called as
Direct Responsibility
Direct Responsibility means the responsibility of the state for its own
act is called as original
if any wrong act is done by any one of them, the state becomes
responsible directly on their
behalf. The organs and agencies of the state includes the following –
same.
b) Acts of judiciary -
its armed forces in the exercise of their official functions without the
command or authorization
of the state it is not regarded as to state act and such act state is
not responsible for such act.
d) Diplomatic representatives -
Diplomatic representatives enjoy immunities in the state where they
are sent and are
excluded from the jurisdiction of the receiving state for their acts
but a State becomes
responsible for those injuries acts which are performed by them are
the command or the
Introduction
Definition(s) of Treaties:
Types of treaties
Expressing consent
Taking the consent on the drafted negotiation document is an
important step. It obligated states to follow the rule commonly
decided by the states. VCLT gave two kinds of consent processes
under article 9 and article 11.
Ratification
When the states accept the treaty, ratification comes into the
picture. Ratification means the treaty is effective in the concerned
states and states need to create some legal rights and obligations.
Article 14 of VCLT deals with the ratification of the treaty.
Reservation
Termination of Treaties
If the fundamental nature of the treaty gets changed, the treaty can
be terminated.
Conclusion
Concept
every state has legal authority over the people within its borders.
Such absence of
international obligation, and the desire for the right to demand such
criminals from other
Definition
Importance of Extradition
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The general desire of all state to ensure that serious crimes do not
go unpunished. A
the net round the fugitive offenders, international law applies the
maxim "aut punier aut
which can and will punish him, or either punish or extradite) Hence,
the necessity of
3. The criminal should be punished only for the crime for which he is
extradited
6. Generally the requestee state will not surrender its own nationals
territorial
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it depends on reciprocity.
Restriction on Extradition
to extradition proceedings:
criteria for political crime are; the motive of the crime, the
circumstances of its
there must be two parties striving for political control in the state
where the offence is
not granted. E.g. in Eisler case 1949 the fugitive Eisler was
convicted for being a
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be tried for other offences too (US versus Rouscher, where the US
supreme court held
that the person extradited could only be tried for the crime
extradited for not for
protocol of 1961.
Conclusion
Extradition though in theory seems to be a phase in Justice Delivery
procedure which
The Court sits in the Peace Palace, along with other institutions concerned
with international law, including the Peace Palace Library. The Peace Palace
Library is not a UN body. It provides excellent research guides on a variety of
international law topics.
The ILO is the only tripartite U.N. agency. The ILO is a meeting
point for governments, workers and employers of ILO’s
member States to set labour standards, improve upon policies
and create programs that promote decent work for people. The
four strategic objectives at the heart of the Decent Work
agenda are:
Governing Body:
Functions: