Understanding the Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice: A Comprehensive Guide The International Court of Justice (ICJ), often referred to as the "World Court," is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945 under the UN Charter, its role is to settle legal disputes between states and give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized international organizations. While its decisions carry great significance in international law, many find the ICJ’s processes and terminology daunting. In this post, we’ll explore the core functions of the ICJ, its jurisdiction, and offer practical strategies to overcome the challenges of understanding its complex legal framework. What is ICJ? The International Court of Justice is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. It operates under a statute that outlines its structu...