The Role of the World Court Today

The International Court of Justice (ICJ, also known as theWorld Court) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations(UN). I have served as a member of the Court for the past twoyears. During that time, I have had the opportunity to speakabout the Court and about international law to a variety ofaudiences throughout the United States. It is a particularprivilege to deliver the Sibley Lecture here at the University ofGeorgia School of Law, an institution that is known for itscommitment to the study of international law and internationalrelations.The ICJ has its roots in the notion that adjudication in a worldcourt can serve as an alternative to war.

In the decades since theCourt was established, there have been enormous changes ininternational law and institutions. In particular, there are nowmany other international courts and tribunals,1 and many otherinstitutions contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes. 2In view of these developments, what is the role of the WorldCourt? The ICJ is charged with a powerful combination offunctions: the resolution of particular disputes between states; theissuance of advisory opinions requested by the United NationsSecurity Council and General Assembly; and the development ofinternational law.

This combination of functions, vested in a courtwhich can hear cases from any region of the world, which has thescope to consider all substantive aspects of international law, andwhich is endowed with the stature of the UN's principal judicialorgan gives the World Court a unique and potent role in thepeaceful resolution of disputes.