What is international law?

International law includes all of the generally accepted rules that govern the relations between nations or countries and their citizens. The concept of international law is much broader than domestic law, which is generally attributed to statutory authority vested by a federal, state, or local governmental body. In many ways, international law is an agreement upon common understanding between two or more separate nations. 

International law may include a particular country's law applied internationally or in an international setting. For example, international law may subject the citizens of one nation to the jurisdiction of international courts or tribunals. The US Supreme Court addressed the United States view of international law as a part of our law, and must be ascertained and administered by the courts of justice of appropriate jurisdiction as often as questions of right depending upon it are duly presented for their determination. 

In any event, international law establishes standards or expectations for conduct between nations and between or by the citizens (including businesses) of other nations. Developing and employing an international legal framework in this manner provides additional certainty and stability between nations and between individuals. More specifically, international organizations and agreements facilitate trade and minimize the risk for businesses.

Note: International law is generally binding upon a nation pursuant to that states voluntary agreement to be subject to that law. A business operating internationally may be subject to both international law and the law of the nation in which it is doing business. This is collectively referred to as international law throughout this chapter.

Related Topics

• International Law (Intro)

• What is International Law?
• What are the types of international law?
• United Nations
• United Nations Commission on International Trade law
• United Nations Conference on Trade Development
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• International Monetary Fund
• Other Economic Development Organizations
• World Bank
• World Trade Organization
• European Union
• What international courts exist and what are their functions?
• What are the methods of carrying on international business?
• What are the legal risks associated with carrying on international business?
• What major international agreements affect international trade?
• When is carrying on business in a foreign country prohibited by US law?
• What is the significance of boycotts between foreign countries?
• What US laws apply to limit business transactions in foreign countries?
• What regulations apply to exports from the United States?
• What are the legal limitations on importing goods into the United States?
• How are private international business agreements generally enforced?
• How do parties determine the rules, location, and method of resolving disputes?