Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Q4. What is the mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)? How does the ICJ differ from the International Criminal Court (ICC)? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question:
In a landmark announcement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said countries and territories are obligated to combat climate change through efforts to the best of their capabilities.Key Demand of the question:
The question demands a concise explanation of the ICJ’s primary functions and jurisdiction, followed by a comparative analysis with the ICC across structural, functional, and legal dimensions.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the ICJ as the principal judicial organ of the UN and its central role in adjudicating inter-state legal disputes.Body:
- Mandate of the ICJ: Outline its role in resolving inter-state disputes, advisory jurisdiction, and interpretation of international law.
- Difference between ICJ and ICC: Present the differences in terms of jurisdiction, focus (states vs individuals), legal authority, and institutional frameworks in a tabular form.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting their complementary roles in maintaining the rule of law and accountability in the international system.
