Law in Plain English
What is international law in one sentence?
Rules that govern how countries interact
What is sovereignty?
Control over a state’s own territory
A country pollutes shared oceans—what issue is this?
Environmental international law
What is a treaty?
A formal agreement between countries
What is the United Nations?
An organization for cooperation between countries
Give one example of something international law regulates
Trade, war, environment, human rights, etc.
Who creates most international law?
States (countries)
Two countries argue over land borders—what type of issue?
Territorial dispute
Difference between signing and ratifying a treaty?
Sign = agree; ratify = legally bound
What does the International Court of Justice do?
Settles disputes between states
What is the difference between a treaty and a custom?
Treaty = written agreement; custom = unwritten practice
What does it mean to recognize a country?
Accept it as a legitimate state
Crimes during war fall under what area of law?
International humanitarian law
Name one topic treaties often cover
Trade, climate, human rights
Who can bring cases to the ICJ?
Countries
Why do countries follow international law without a global police?
Reputation, cooperation, consequences, etc.
Give one way a country limits its own power internationally
Joining treaties or organizations
A global company operates across countries—what laws affect it?
Domestic + international law
Why might a country refuse a treaty?
Cost, disagreement, loss of control
Name one power of the UN Security Council
Sanctions or approving force
What is one weakness of international law?
Weak enforcement / depends on consent
Why would a country give up some sovereignty?
To gain cooperation or benefits
A country breaks a treaty—what’s one consequence?
Sanctions or loss of trust
How can a treaty end?
Withdrawal, expiration, violation
Why do international organizations exist?
To solve global problems together