Sources of International Law: Comprehensive Quizzes for MA Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Scholarly writings, whilst valuable, are not considered a primary source of international law.

Answer

Customary international law arises from consistent state practice accompanied by a belief that it is legally binding (opinio juris).

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations are fundamental legal precepts common to most legal systems.

Answer

Treaties are binding agreements between States and are considered a primary source.

Question 2

What is the foundational principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' in international law?

Accepted Answer

The obligation of states to abide by their treaty obligations.

Answer

The right of states to self-defense is a fundamental principle of international law, but not directly related to 'pacta sunt servanda'.

Answer

The principle of non-intervention in the affairs of other states is a key principle of international law, but not directly related to 'pacta sunt servanda'.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It develops over time through the consistent practice of states, accompanied by the belief that it is legally binding (opinio juris).

Answer

Customary international law is not enforced by a global police force.

Answer

Customary international law is not codified in a single document.

Question 4

The concept of 'opinio juris':

Accepted Answer

Refers to the belief that a state practice is legally binding and is a key subjective element in the development of customary international law.

Answer

Is not relevant to the formation of customary international law.

Answer

Relates only to the codification of customary international law into treaties.

Question 5

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) primarily relies on which sources of law in its judgments?

Accepted Answer

International treaties and customary international law are the primary sources of law for the ICJ.

Answer

Scholarly writings and legal commentaries are not authoritative sources of law for the ICJ.

Answer

Member states' national legislation is not a binding source of law for the ICJ.

Question 6

What is the role of 'jus cogens' in international law?

Accepted Answer

It establishes peremptory norms that cannot be violated by states and represent fundamental principles of international law.

Answer

Jus cogens does not provide a framework for international dispute resolution.

Answer

Jus cogens does not define the exclusive jurisdiction of the ICJ.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a key element of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?

Accepted Answer

The Vienna Convention does not establish the principle of 'jus cogens'.

Answer

The Vienna Convention sets forth procedures for treaty termination.

Answer

The Vienna Convention outlines the rules for treaty interpretation.

Answer

The Vienna Convention defines the conditions for state consent to treaties.

Question 8

A state may be held responsible for violating international law if its actions:

Accepted Answer

Are attributable to the state and constitute a breach of an international obligation.

Answer

Are motivated by domestic political considerations, but this is not a sufficient basis for state responsibility.

Answer

Are contrary to the interests of other states, but this alone does not establish a violation of international law.

Question 9

How does the principle of 'res judicata' apply to international law?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the ICJ from revisiting a case that has already been decided, ensuring the finality of judgments.

Answer

It determines the jurisdiction of the ICJ in specific disputes, but does not prevent revisiting past judgments.

Answer

It defines the legal consequences of a breach of international law, but does not relate to the finality of judgments.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of international law as defined in Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Judicial decisions of national courts

Answer

Treaties

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Answer

Customary international law

Question 11

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda', meaning agreements must be kept, is most closely associated with which source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law

Answer

Judicial decisions

Question 12

What is the concept of 'opinio juris' in the context of international law?

Accepted Answer

The belief that a state practice is legally binding, contributing to the formation of customary international law.

Answer

The requirement for a treaty to be ratified by states

Answer

The formal codification of customary law

Answer

The power of a state to unilaterally declare a law

Question 13

The concept of 'jus cogens' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Peremptory norms of international law from which no derogation is permitted, such as the prohibition of genocide.

Answer

Principles of law that are universally accepted by all states

Answer

Rules of customary law that are not codified in treaties

Question 14

Which of the following treaties is a prominent example of codification of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

The Geneva Conventions

Answer

The UN Charter

Answer

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties

Answer

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

Question 15

The International Court of Justice's decisions are considered a(n) _________ source of international law.

Accepted Answer

Subsidiary

Answer

Primary

Answer

Exclusive

Answer

Binding

Question 16

The concept of 'persistent objector' is primarily related to:

Accepted Answer

Customary international law, where a state can avoid being bound by a norm if it consistently objects to it during its formation.

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Judicial decisions

Answer

General principles of law

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a treaty in international law?

Accepted Answer

Unilaterally binding on all states

Answer

Requires consent of states

Answer

Governed by international law

Answer

Written document

Question 18

The principle of 'res judicata', meaning a matter already decided, is relevant to which aspect of international law?

Accepted Answer

Judicial decisions, preventing the relitigation of a matter already decided by a competent court.

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law

Answer

Treaties

Question 19

The term 'soft law' in international relations refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-binding agreements, declarations, or principles that influence international behavior but lack the legal force of treaties or customary law.

Answer

International law that is not codified in treaties

Answer

Law that is binding only on certain states

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Domestic law

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Question 21

Which of the following is a requirement for a treaty to be considered valid?

Accepted Answer

Consent of all parties

Answer

Ratification by a majority of states

Answer

Written form

Answer

Registration with the United Nations

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

State practice

Answer

Binding nature

Answer

Written form

Answer

Codification

Question 23

Which of the following is a limitation of the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Its jurisdiction is limited to states

Answer

It cannot enforce its judgments

Answer

It is too slow and expensive

Answer

It can only decide disputes between member states of the United Nations

Question 24

Which of the following is a criticism of the concept of general principles of law?

Accepted Answer

Vague and indeterminate

Answer

Derived from domestic legal systems

Answer

Difficult to apply in practice

Answer

Not binding on states

Question 25

Which of the following is a source of international law that is not binding on states?

Accepted Answer

Soft law

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law

Answer

Treaties