Public International Law 2
Public International Law 2
Public International Law 2
Opinio Juris
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2
Opinio Juris
Introduction
Public International Law is a fundamental aspect of legal studies that governs the
relationships between sovereign states and other international actors. It consists of various
sources, including treaties and customary international law. Treaties are formal agreements
between states, while customary international law refers to the unwritten rules and practices
followed by states out of a sense of legal obligation. This essay will explore the relationship
between treaties and customary international law in the context of opinio juris, which is the
Treaties are widely recognized as one of the primary sources of international law.
They are formal agreements between states, creating legal obligations upon ratification or
accession. Treaties can be bilateral, involving two states, or multilateral, involving multiple
states. They address various matters, such as human rights, trade, and environmental
protection. Treaties are binding upon the states that have ratified or acceded to them, and
On the other hand, customary international law is derived from the general and
consistent practice of states, followed out of a sense of legal obligation (opinio juris). It arises
when states consistently behave in a certain manner, believing that they are legally obligated
to do so. Customary international law is considered binding upon all states, regardless of
whether they have explicitly consented to its rules. It forms an essential part of the
The relationship between treaties and customary international law is complex and
through their practice. When states consistently and uniformly implement treaty provisions,
their behavior can establish a new customary norm. This occurs when the actions of states
reflect a belief in the existence of a legal obligation beyond the specific treaty provisions. For
example, the provisions of the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war have
Furthermore, treaties can also codify existing customary international law. When
states negotiate and adopt a treaty that reflects existing customary norms, it reaffirms and
reinforces those norms. Treaties can provide a platform for states to express their opinio juris
and solidify customary practices into a legally binding instrument. For instance, the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea codified various customary rules relating to
represents the belief of states that their actions are legally required. Opinio juris can be
inferred from the consistent and uniform behavior of states over time. When states engage in
a particular practice out of a sense of legal obligation rather than mere convenience, opinio
juris is demonstrated.
In the context of treaties, opinio juris plays a significant role. States may ratify or
accede to a treaty based on their belief that the treaty provisions reflect existing customary
international law. Their consent to the treaty can reinforce and contribute to the formation of
customary norms. Additionally, opinio juris can evolve over time, leading to the modification
or abandonment of existing customary norms. States may gradually change their behavior,
Conclusion
The relationship between treaties and customary international law regarding opinio
juris is symbiotic. Treaties can contribute to the formation and codification of customary
norms, while customary international law can influence the interpretation and implementation
of treaty provisions. Opinio juris serves as a crucial element in the development and
relationship, legal scholars and practitioners can navigate the complex landscape of public
References
- Simma, B., & Alston, P. (Eds.). (2012). The Sources of International Law. Oxford
University Press.