Summary Public International Law Summaries + Exam Answer Structures

UN Charter {Ans: The constitution of the United Nations.}Congress of Vienna {Ans: Re-established peace between nations after the downfall of Napoleon I and added new practices from the treatment of diplomats.}Individual criminal liability for wartime atrocities {Ans: The recognition by the international community that individuals can be held criminally liable for wartime atrocities, demonstrated through trials such as the Nuremberg trials, Tokyo trials, and international Criminal tribunal for Yugoslavia and Rwanda.}Sovereignty {Ans: Each state has control of its own territory.}Treaty of Westphalia {Ans: Ended the 30 Years War and confirmed the independence of states (sovereignty).}Geneva Convention {Ans: Created in 1949 after World War II, it defines war crimes and is made up of 4 treaties.}Austin's Beliefs {Ans: Austin believed that international law does not exist because the United Nations respects sovereignty and therefore has no sovereign authority.}Declaration of Paris {Ans: The first attempt to codify international law of seas, with rules for maritime warfare.}Struggles of the UN with military force, peacemakers, national sovereignty {Ans: The United Nations struggles with determining when to use military force, when to send peacemakers, and when to prioritize national sovereignty over the goals of the UN