Critically examine the jurisdiction of International Court of Justice. (Answer in 125 words)

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Points to Remember: ICJ jurisdiction, limitations, contentious cases, advisory opinions.

Introduction: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions. Its jurisdiction, however, is not universal.

Body: The ICJ’s jurisdiction is primarily based on the consent of states. This can be through special agreements (ad hoc) for specific disputes or through declarations accepting the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction under Article 36 of its Statute. However, many states include reservations limiting their acceptance. The Court also handles advisory opinions requested by UN organs or specialized agencies, but these are non-binding. Limitations include the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the reliance on state consent.

Conclusion: The ICJ’s jurisdiction, while significant, is constrained by state sovereignty. Strengthening its authority requires greater acceptance of compulsory jurisdiction and improved enforcement mechanisms. Promoting peaceful dispute resolution through international law remains crucial for global stability and justice.

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