Definitions
What is Public International Law?
International law consists of rules and principles governing the conduct of States and international organizations in their relations, as well as their interactions with individuals and transnational companies.
What are States?
These entities are the primary subjects of international law and must possess a permanent population, defined territory, and a government.
What is the main legal basis for the sources of international law?
This foundational document's Article 38(1) is generally accepted as the definitive list of the sources of international law.
What is positivism in international public law?
This theory of obligation, which peaked in the 19th century, teaches that States are only bound by rules they have expressly or implicitly agreed to.
What is the complete name of the Jessup Competition?
Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
What is a horizontal system?
Unlike the vertical hierarchy of domestic law, the international legal system is described by this term because it consists of sovereign equals recognizing no one in authority over them.
What are international organizations?
These entities possess limited legal international personality conferred by their constituent documents and can enter into international agreements.
What is pacta sunt servanda?
This Latin principle means that every treaty in force is binding upon the parties and must be performed in good faith.
What is international custom (or customary law)?
Unlike treaties, which require express consent, this source of law becomes binding when there is evidence of a general practice accepted as law.
What awards did the Jessup UFM Team of 2026 achieved?
National Champions. Best National Applicant Memorial. Best National Oralist. Best Latinamerican Team, 2nd Place in the Latinamerican & Caribbean Friendly Rounds. International Advanced Team.
What is regional international law?
While universal international law binds all states, this specific type of law applies only to a group of states linked geographically or ideologically.
What is nationality?
This is the legal link between an individual and a State, which allows a State to exercise diplomatic protection if that individual is injured by another State.
What is opinio juris?
This second element of customary law requires evidence that States follow a practice out of a sense of legal obligation rather than mere political convenience.
What is reciprocity?
States often follow rules, like those protecting foreign diplomats, because they expect other States to treat their own officials the same way.
What is the name of the association who organizes the Jessup?
International Law Students Association.
What is the ordinary meaning of terms of a treaty?
Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a treaty is generally interpreted according to this, in the light of its object and purpose.
What is the UN Security Council?
This UN organ has the authority to make decisions that are binding on all member states regarding international peace and security.
What is jus cogens?
These are peremptory norms of a fundamental character, such as the prohibition of genocide, that no derogation from them is permitted.
What are obligations upon signature?
Simply signing a treaty (subject to ratification) does not make a State a party or impose positive legal obligations. However, it does create a good-faith obligation to refrain from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty
How many times has Guatemala qualified to the international advanced rounds?
5
What is the International Law Commission (ILC)?
This 34-member body was established by the UN to help "codify" and "progressively develop" international law.
What is diplomatic protection (or the nationality of claims)?
Under this doctrine, a State may make a claim against another State on behalf of its national who was injured by internationally unlawful conduct.
What are advisory opinions?
Unlike its decisions in contentious cases, these opinions issued by the ICJ at the request of UN organs are not legally binding, but can qualify as subsidiary means of law of the most highly qualified publicists.
What is the UN Charter Dominance?
Under Article 103 of the UN Charter, a member state's obligations to the United Nations (including binding Security Council decisions) prevail over conflicting obligations in any other international agreement.
Where is the other coach (Arango)?
In a trip somewhere (Connecticut).