International Law Overview
International Law Resources
What is international law?
International law, commonly referred to as "public international law," regulates relations and activities between nations. It also contains rules regarding the operations of international organizations, such as the United Nations. In addition, it governs state treatment of individuals and juridical persons (i.e., non-natural persons, such as a corporation, association or partnership).
International law is distinct from "private international law" (also known as "conflict of laws"), which regulates dealings between individuals and juridical persons from different nations.
Note that international law refers to nations as sovereign states. In this context, sovereign states does not mean states within a nation. Furthermore, in the United States, individual states lack authority to engage in international dealings. The U.S. Constitution explicitly denies states this power, and vests it with the federal government. (U.S. Const. Art. I, § 10).
International law encompasses several areas, such as international trade, the creation and dissolution of states, use of force (regarding when a state may initiate force against another state), armed conflict ("humanitarian law", which regulates how a state conducts an armed conflict), human rights (which are set forth in several international instruments, such as the Declaration of Human Rights), refugees, crimes, environment, labor, the sea, air space, and postal services.
Show Extended SummaryFeatured Cases 
- Toward Global Corporate Citizenship: Reframing Foreign Direct Investment Law
Michigan State University College of Law Journal of International Law, 2009 Rachel J. Anderson William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV Date Posted: April 6, 2009 Last Revised: April 23, 2009
(April 22, 2009) - Extending the Shadow of the Law: Using Hybrid Mechanisms to Develop Constitutional Norms in ...
Utah Law Review, Forthcoming Brian Ray Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Date Posted: April 15, 2009 Last Revised: April 23, 2009
(April 22, 2009) - Collective Responsibility for Global Crime – Limitations with the Liability Paradigm
Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 09/22 Mark Findlay University of Sydney - Institute of Criminology Date Posted: April 22, 2009 Last Revised: April 22, 2009
(April 21, 2009) - Global Legal Education and Comparative Visa Regulations
St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper No. 09-0171 Luca C. M. Melchionna St. John's University - School of Law Date Posted: April 22, 2009 Last Revised: April 22, 2009
(April 21, 2009) - The Human Rights Potential of Sovereign Wealth Funds
Illinois Public Law Research Paper No. 08-27, Indiana Legal Studies Research Paper No. 132 Christiana Ochoa and Patrick Keenan Indiana University-Bloomington, Maurer School of Law and University of Illinois College of Law Date Posted: April 8, 2009 Last Revised: April 21, 2009
(April 20, 2009)
Legislation 
- Bill Introduced: S.Res.99 A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Government ...
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Government of Uzbekistan should immediately enforce its existing domestic legislation and fulfill its international commitments aimed at ending state-sponsored forced and child labor.
(March 31, 2009) - Bill Introduced: S.Res.90 A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Fifth ...
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Fifth Summit of the Americas, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, April 17, 18, and 19, 2009.
(March 28, 2009) - Bill Introduced: S.Res.84 A resolution urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial ...
A resolution urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt.
(March 22, 2009) - Bill Introduced: S.Res.81 A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Water Day.
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Water Day.
(March 21, 2009) - Bill Introduced: S.Res.82 A resolution recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of ...
A resolution recognizing the 188th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
(March 21, 2009)
Regulations 
- Rule - Amendment to the International Arms Traffic in Arms Regulations: United States Munitions ...
Department of State
Rule
Amendment to the International Arms Traffic in Arms Regulations:
United States Munitions List; Correction
,
18628 [E9-9291]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 121 [Public Notice 6589] Amendment to the International Arms Traffic in Arms Regulations: The United States Munitions List; Correction AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Correcting amendment. SUMMARY: The Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register on May 21, 2004 (69 FR 29222), revising Category XII(c) of the United States Munitions List. A technical error in that rule resulted in the unintended removal of language in a note after... [read document]
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(April 23, 2009) - Rule - Exchange Visitor Program - Au Pairs
Department of State
Rule
Exchange Visitor Program - Au Pairs,
15844-15845 [E9-7674]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 62 [Public Notice: 6566] RIN 1400-AC48 Exchange Visitor Program--Au Pairs AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: On June 19, 2008, the Department of State published an interim final rule to revise existing regulations and thereby permit qualified au pairs to participate again in the au pair program after completing a period of at least two years of residency outside the United States following the end date of his or her initial exchange visitor... [read document]
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(April 7, 2009) - Rule - Visas: Documentation of Immigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as ...
Department of State
Rule
Visas:
Documentation of Immigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended; Electronic Petition for Diversity Immigrant Status
,
2369 [E9-698]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 42 [Public Notice: 6457] RIN 1400-AB84 Visas: Documentation of Immigrants Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended: Electronic Petition for Diversity Immigrant Status AGENCY: State Department. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This rule makes final an interim rule published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2003, amending the Department's regulations pertaining to the manner in which aliens may petition for the opportunity to participate in the... [read document]
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(January 14, 2009) - Proposed Rule - Exchange Visitor Program; Withdrawal
Department of State
Proposed Rule
Exchange Visitor Program; Withdrawal,
76575 [E8-29784]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 62 [Public Notice: 6455] Exchange Visitor Program AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comment; withdrawal. SUMMARY: On December 10, 2008, the State Department published in the Federal Register a proposed rule titled Exchange Visitor Program. The Department amended the General Provisions of the existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations set forth at 22 CFR Part 62. This proposed rule is being withdrawn because it was submitted... [read document]
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(December 16, 2008) - Proposed Rule - Exchange Visitor Program
Department of State
Proposed Rule
Exchange Visitor Program,
75015-75027 [E8-29213]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 62 [Public Notice: 6448] RIN 1400-AC36 Exchange Visitor Program AGENCY: United States Department of State. ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comment. SUMMARY: The Department of State is proposing to amend the General Provisions (Subpart A) of the existing Exchange Visitor Program regulations in order to provide greater specificity regarding program administration, sponsor obligations and participant eligibility in the Exchange Visitor Program. Certain... [read document]
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(December 9, 2008)
Government 
- Notice - Gifts to Federal Employees From Foreign Government Sources Reported to Employing ...
Department of State
Notice
Gifts to Federal Employees From Foreign Government Sources Reported to Employing Agencies in CY 2007:
Correction
,
3667 [E9-969]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6484] Office of the Chief of Protocol; Gifts to Federal Employees From Foreign Government Sources Reported to Employing Agencies in Calendar Year 2007; Correction AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Notice; Correction. SUMMARY: This document contains a correction to the Notice ``Gifts to Federal Employees From Foreign Government Sources Reported to Employing Agencies in Calendar Year 2007'' published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2008, in FR Volume... [read document]
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(January 20, 2009) - Notice - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
Department of State
Notice
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,
3126 [E9-821]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 6485] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Request for Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) Determination; OMB Control Number 1405- 0163. ACTION: Notice of request for public comments. SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting... [read document]
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(January 15, 2009) - Notice - Nonproliferation Sanctions
Department of State
Notice
Nonproliferation Sanctions,
3126-3127 [E9-820]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6486] Nonproliferation Sanctions ACTION: Imposition of Sanctions on Persons Associated With the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Proliferation Network. SUMMARY: Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act A determination has been made that foreign persons have engaged in activities that require the imposition of measures pursuant to the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act (NPPA), 22 U.S.C. 6301. Pursuant to the NPPA, the United States determined on January 9, 2009 that the... [read document]
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(January 15, 2009) - Notice - Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: The El ...
Department of State
Notice
Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations:
The El Peru-Waka Archaeological Project
,
2644 [E9-660]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6482] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``The El Peru-Waka Archaeological Project'' SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of... [read document]
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(January 14, 2009) - Notice - Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: Genghis Khan
Department of State
Notice
Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations:
Genghis Khan
,
2644 [E9-657]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6481] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``Genghis Khan'' SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1,... [read document]
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(January 14, 2009)
Articles 
- Challenges for the Creation of a European Law of Civil Procedure
Paulien M.M. van der Grinten Ministry of Justice of the Netherlands Date Posted: April 24, 2009 Last Revised: April 24, 2009
(April 23, 2009) - Modification of the Romanian Courts' International Jurisdiction on Divorce and Marriage ...
Cosmin Dariescu University "Alexandru Ioan Cuza", Iasi, Romania, Faculty of Law Date Posted: April 24, 2009 Last Revised: April 24, 2009
(April 23, 2009) - The Conflict of Laws and Boumediene V. Bush
Creighton Law Review, Vol. 42, No. 1, 2008 Patrick Joseph Borchers Creighton University School of Law Date Posted: April 24, 2009 Last Revised: April 24, 2009
(April 23, 2009) - Historical American Perspectives on International Law
ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law, Forthcoming, UGA Legal Studies Research Paper No. 09-005 Harlan Grant Cohen University of Georgia School of Law Date Posted: April 24, 2009 Last Revised: April 24, 2009
(April 23, 2009) - Lost in Transition? The Anatomy of the Merged African Court of Justice and Human Rights
Dan Juma London School of Economics Date Posted: April 24, 2009 Last Revised: April 24, 2009
(April 23, 2009)
News 
DigitalJournal.com
Obama's Nuclear Realism
Huffington Post, NY
Article 6 of the US Constitution declares that ratified treaties are the "supreme law of the land," and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), ratified by the United States almost 40 years ago, commits us to pursue nuclear disarmament. ...
Has nuclear arms control worked? Los Angeles Times
How have we agreed on non-proliferation Mount Holyoke News
New Beginnings Will Not Work Harvard Crimson
all 10 news articles
(April 23, 2009)- Eni To Appeal Govt Taxing It For Italy-Libya Treaty -CFO
Wall Street Journal
ROME (Dow Jones)--Eni SpA (E), Italy's biggest energy company by market value, will appeal a new Italian government tax referring to a treaty between Libya and Italy, said Chief Financial Officer Alessandro Bernini Friday. Eni "believes it has a good ...
(April 23, 2009) - Hague urges PM to hold Treaty poll
The Press Association
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague is to challenge Gordon Brown to "restore trust in British politics" by holding a referendum on the European Union's Lisbon Treaty. Mr Hague will leave no doubt that opposition to the Treaty - which replaces the ...
(April 23, 2009)
BBC News
Why search for a new nuclear treaty?
BBC News, UK
US and Russian officials have been holding talks in Rome as they begin work on a new nuclear weapons treaty. BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus looks at why they might want one. In some ways it is like a reprise of the Cold War: US and ...
Video: Russia- US START consultations RT
First steps towards US-Russian nuclear deal Washington Post
US-Russia talks on nuclear reduction begin The Associated Press
Xinhua - Deutsche Welleall 277 news articles
(April 23, 2009)- The Law of the Sea Treaty Is Back - With A Friend In The White House!
WEBCommentary
The Leftists of the world have been encouraging the United States to sign the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST), which was rightly vetoed by President Reagan decades ago and rejected by American Presidents, both Democrat and Republican, ever since. ...
Keeping LOST underwater Dowagiac Daily News
all 2 news articles
(April 23, 2009)
Blog Posts 
- Bringing Law to Refugee Camps
Though I focus much of my scholarly energy on due process failures in the U.S. immigration system, the "Wild West" policies and procedures of American immigration courts pale in comparison to the legal vacuum found in refugee camps throughout the world. More than 7 million of today's refugees have lived in camps for at least ten years (sometimes for generations), yet there exists no formal legal infrastructure to protect even the most basic human security needs in these camps. Given the dire...
(April 23, 2009) - On the value of choice of forum and choice of law clauses in Spain
A contract was held between two companies: a Spanish company and a foreign one. They agreed to refer any dispute concerning the contract to the courts of Barcelona (Spain), and chose Spanish law as applicable law. Later, the Spanish company decided to sue its counterparty in the United States. The foreign company believed that this behaviour amounts to a breach of contract, and that it results in extra costs (such as fees for local lawyers hired to raise the plea) that should be repaired. The...
(April 23, 2009) - On April 24
On this day in ... ... 1954 (55 years ago today), in Britain's East Africa colony of Kenya, more than 10,000 men were arrested and detained in "Operation Anvil," which the BBC called "the biggest anti-Mau Mau operation since a state of emergency was declared in Kenya 18 months ago." The detention camps would remain for years; at the height of the crackdown, 80,000 persons were held, and many were subjected to cruelty. In 2005, in Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya,...
(April 23, 2009) - Kevin John Heller: Legal Background for Torture Lawyer Prosecutions
Opinio Juris Want to Prosecute the Lawyers? Cite Ministries - Not the Justice Case. Not an area of law that I have studied, but Heller is an expert.
(April 22, 2009) - On How To Handle The Accidental China Business
Interesting post by Andrew Hupert over at China Solved, entitled, "Selling China to the Accidental Expats." The post is intended to instruct China consultants on how they should handle calls from American companies that have now decided they must take advantage of China's growing market. But it also makes some very good points for those American companies as well. Andrew starts out by defining "Accidental Expats": I call them Accidental Expats. They are the American business owners and senior...
(April 22, 2009)