International Law

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses international law. It explains some of the history and customs that lie behind today's accepted principles of international law and discusses how and why the laws were developed. The paper specifically focuses on American foreign policy with regard to international law and how new international law would affect today's leadership.

From the Paper:

"International law consists of customs, principles and rules legally binding upon sovereign states and other participating international entities (Joyner 2002). It derives from treaties and international conventions, customs and customary use, and generally accepted principles of law and equity as the three main sources. Judicial decisions made by international tribunals and domestic courts form part of the law-making process. Examples of these are resolutions of international organizations, such as the United Nations. The current rules of international law are premised on state sovereignty, so that each State has the option to participate in international negotiations, sign or ratify any international treaty. Every member-State of an international agency, such as the United Nations, can freely opt to ratify a convention adopted by the agency (Joyner)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Joyner, Christopher C. International Law. Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy, 2002. Retrieved on January 1, 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qx5215/is_2002/ai_n19132421
• Mitchell, Paul Andrew. Citizenship is a Term of Municipal Law. Supreme Law Firm: Supreme Law Library, 2005. Retrieved on January 1, 2008 from http://www.supremelaw.org/rsrc/privlaw.htm
• Rivkin, David. B., Jr. and Lee A. Casey. The Shoals of International Law. The National Interest: The Natinal Affairs, Inc., 2000

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