The Nature of International Law: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of international law?

Accepted Answer

National laws of individual countries

Answer

International treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law shared by major legal systems

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a 'soft law' instrument in international relations?

Accepted Answer

Guidelines issued by international organizations

Answer

United Nations Security Council resolutions

Answer

Declarations of the International Court of Justice

Answer

Bilateral treaties

Question 3

The International Court of Justice exercises jurisdiction primarily based on:

Accepted Answer

The consent of the parties involved

Answer

Mandatory treaties

Answer

Universal jurisdiction

Answer

The principle of reciprocity

Question 4

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It is based on state practice

Answer

It is codified in written form

Answer

It is universally binding

Answer

It can be easily modified

Question 5

Which of the following mechanisms is primarily used to resolve disputes between states through diplomatic negotiations?

Accepted Answer

Mediation

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Conciliation

Answer

Litigation

Question 6

The principle of 'ex injuria jus non oritur' in international law means that:

Accepted Answer

Wrongful acts cannot create legal rights

Answer

States have a duty to cooperate

Answer

Treaties are binding on all parties

Answer

Customary law is superior to treaty law

Question 7

The concept of 'jus cogens' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Peremptory norms of international law

Answer

Treaties that are universally binding

Answer

Principles of customary law that cannot be modified

Answer

Soft law instruments that are widely accepted

Question 8

As per Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, which of these is NOT considered a valid source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Domestic legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Custom

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 9

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' in international law emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The binding nature of treaties between states

Answer

The right of states to withdraw from treaties at any time

Answer

The need for treaties to be negotiated and signed in good faith

Answer

The requirement for treaties to be ratified by all parties involved

Question 10

A distinctive characteristic of international customary law is that it:

Accepted Answer

Arises from consistent practice and acceptance by the majority of states

Answer

Is automatically binding on all states without exception

Answer

Requires the explicit consent of every state in order to be valid

Answer

Can be easily modified or abolished by a single state

Question 11

The principle of non-intervention in international relations implies that:

Accepted Answer

States should generally refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other states

Answer

States have the right to use force to protect their vital interests

Answer

International law is subordinate to domestic law

Answer

States are free to pursue their own interests without regard to the concerns of others

Question 12

The doctrine of state sovereignty is based on the concept of:

Accepted Answer

The exclusive authority of states within their own territories

Answer

The supremacy of international law over domestic law

Answer

The right of states to use military force against other states

Answer

The obligation of states to cooperate with each other for the common good

Question 13

The nature of international law is:

Accepted Answer

Dynamic and evolving based on changing circumstances and values

Answer

Static and unchanging

Answer

Purely voluntary and non-binding on states

Answer

Applicable only to developed countries

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Academic writings

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of international law?

Accepted Answer

National legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Answer

Customary international law

Question 16

What is the fundamental principle of sovereignty in international law?

Accepted Answer

The independence and legal equality of states

Answer

The right of states to use military force

Answer

The obligation of states to respect human rights

Answer

The principle of non-intervention in the affairs of other states

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of international law?

Accepted Answer

To promote peace and security among states

Answer

To regulate international trade

Answer

To promote economic development

Answer

To protect human rights

Question 18

What is the relationship between international law and morality?

Accepted Answer

International law and morality are closely linked, but they are not the same thing.

Answer

International law is more important than morality.

Answer

Morality is more important than international law.

Question 19

What is the distinction between international law and international relations?

Accepted Answer

International law is a body of rules, while international relations is the study of the interactions between states.

Answer

International law is more important than international relations.