Summary of Main principles governing the international legal system | LexIcon

Main Ideas and Principles

• State-Centered Nature of International Law

  International Law primarily regulates the conduct of states, which are the main actors in the international arena. Responsibilities of international organizations and transnational corporations have gained attention but are still addressed within the framework of state law.

• Absence of a Central Authority

  Unlike national legal systems that have a central authority (like a president or monarch), International Law operates without a single governing body. This results in a decentralized and horizontal structure where no central entity enforces laws.

• Consent of States

  International Law is based on the consent of states, meaning that legal obligations are established through agreements among states. This consent is necessary due to the lack of a central law-making authority.

• Collective Responsibility

  In International Law, responsibility is often collective, meaning that a state as a whole is liable for actions taken by its representatives or institutions. Individual criminal responsibility exists for serious violations, but the focus here is on state responsibility.

• Sovereign Equality of States

  All states possess equal rights and duties within the international community, regardless of their differences in economic, social, or political contexts. States must respect each other's sovereignty and legal personality.

• Non-Intervention Principle

  States are prohibited from intervening in the internal affairs of other states, which includes actions like inciting government overthrow or financing terrorism. However, withdrawing economic aid is not automatically considered a violation of this principle.

• Prohibition of the Use of Force

  The use of force is generally prohibited under International Law, with limited exceptions such as collective action for peace and security or self-defense in response to an armed attack (as outlined in the UN Charter).

• Importance of Peace and Human Rights

  The aftermath of World War II emphasized the value of human life and the need to preserve peace and respect Human Rights. The UN Charter reflects this commitment by promoting international cooperation and protecting fundamental freedoms.

Conclusion

The video concludes by inviting viewers to ask questions and promising to return with more content on International Law.

Speakers/Sources Featured

• LexIcon (the channel presenting the video)

Notable Quotes

— 00:36 — « In the international legal system there is no single Authority. »

— 01:33 — « In the international legal system we speak about state responsibility, which by its nature is collective. »

— 02:18 — « The essence of the rule is that all states have equal rights and duties and are equal members of the international community. »

— 02:42 — « States do not have the rights to intervene directly or indirectly for any reason whatever in the internal affairs of any other state. »

— 04:09 — « The Second World War brought not just a physical destruction of cities and damage to economies but also enormous human suffering. »

Category

Educational

Video