What is the International Court of Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the judicial arm of the United Nations (UN). The ICJ acts as an unbiased umpire in the settling legal disputes between member states. It also serves an advisory role to specialized agencies and organs of the UN. The General Assembly and Security Council elects a panel of 15 judges who serve nine-year terms at the ICJ. The It is based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.