General Principles of Law: Master International Law Concepts

Question 1

General principles of law play a crucial role in international law by:

Accepted Answer

Supplementing and interpreting existing rules

Answer

Establishing entirely new rules

Answer

Resolving disputes between different legal systems

Answer

Limiting the power of international organizations

Question 2

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recognized 'estoppel' as a general principle of law applicable to international relations. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

The principle of 'ex injuria jus non oritur' prohibits:

Accepted Answer

The creation of legal rights from unlawful acts

Answer

The use of force in self-defense

Answer

The recognition of territorial gains acquired through illegal means

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The exercise of jurisdiction over foreign nationals

Question 4

In international law, 'res judicata' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The final and binding nature of judicial decisions on the same parties and subject matter

Answer

The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states

Answer

The right of equal treatment of states before international tribunals

Answer

The principle of proportionality in the use of force

Question 5

According to Article 38(1)(c) of the ICJ Statute, when may the Court apply general principles of law?

Accepted Answer

When there is a gap in international law

Answer

When the parties to a dispute agree to their application

Answer

When the Court finds them to be 'universally recognized'

Answer

Only in cases involving human rights violations

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a limitation on the use of general principles of law in international law?

Accepted Answer

They can be applied retroactively

Answer

They must be consistent with the fundamental principles of international law

Answer

They must not be used to create new rules of international law

Answer

They must be universally recognized

Question 7

How are general principles of law distinguished from rules of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

General principles of law are more general and abstract than rules of customary international law

Answer

Rules of customary international law are more general and abstract than general principles of law

Answer

General principles of law are binding on all states, while rules of customary international law are only binding on states that have consented to them

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between general principles of law and rules of customary international law

Question 8

What is the role of equity in relation to general principles of law in international law?

Accepted Answer

Equity can be used to supplement general principles of law when they are incomplete or unclear

Answer

Equity can be used to override general principles of law when they are unjust or unfair

Answer

Equity is not a relevant consideration in the application of general principles of law

Answer

Equity and general principles of law are synonymous terms

Question 9

How does the concept of ex aequo et bono differ from the application of general principles of law?

Accepted Answer

Ex aequo et bono allows for a more discretionary and flexible approach to decision-making

Answer

Ex aequo et bono is only applicable in cases involving states

Answer

Ex aequo et bono is binding on all states, regardless of whether they have consented to it

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between ex aequo et bono and the application of general principles of law

Question 10

How are general principles of law primarily used in international law?

Accepted Answer

To help interpret treaties, resolve disputes, and create new international laws.

Answer

As a primary source of law, alongside customary international law and treaties.

Answer

As the main way to enforce international law, independent of other methods.

Answer

To decide which international courts and tribunals have authority.

Question 11

To what extent do general principles of law reflect customary international law?

Accepted Answer

They can sometimes differ from but complement customary international law

Answer

They are always identical to customary international law

Answer

They are never the same as customary international law

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They are always contrary to customary international law

Question 12

The inclusion of general principles of law in the Statute of the International Court of Justice is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Empowers the Court to apply law not expressly stated in international treaties

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Grants the Court the authority to create new legal principles

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Prevents the Court from applying customary international law

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Has no practical significance

Question 13

Which of the following is recognized as a source of general principles of law in international law according to Article 38(1)(c) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Judicial decisions and the teachings of the most highly qualified publicists of the various nations

Answer

Customary international law

Question 14

Which principle of law emphasizes the idea that all individuals are entitled to fair and impartial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Question 15

What is the Latin maxim that means 'agreements must be kept'?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Question 16

Which concept refers to the principle that no one should benefit from their own wrongdoing?

Accepted Answer

Ex injuria jus non oritur

Answer

Natural justice

Question 17

How do general principles of law contribute to the interpretation of international treaties?

Accepted Answer

Assisting in clarifying ambiguous treaty provisions and providing guidance on the intent of the parties

Answer

Providing guidance on the intent of the parties

Question 18

Which of the following cases illustrates the application of natural justice in international law?

Accepted Answer

Barcelona Traction, Light and Power Co. Ltd. v. Belgium

Answer

Trail Smelter Arbitration (United States v. Canada)

Question 19

How do general principles of law interact with customary international law?

Accepted Answer

They can be used to interpret and supplement customary international law

Answer

They can be used to derogate from customary international law

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of general principles of law in international law, according to the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Sharia law

Answer

General principles common to major legal systems

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

Treaties

Question 21

In the absence of specific international legal rules, tribunals may apply general principles of law to address legal gaps.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

Only with the consent of all disputing parties

Answer

Only in exceptional circumstances

Answer

False

Question 22

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of general principles of law?

Accepted Answer

Universality

Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Specificity

Answer

Enforceability

Question 23

The International Court of Justice has identified a set of general principles of law that it considers to be shared among all major legal systems.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Answer

Only among common law systems

Question 24

Despite criticisms, general principles of law continue to play a significant role in shaping and interpreting international law.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

Only in cases involving states with similar legal systems

Answer

Only in specific domains of international law

Answer

False

Question 25

Which international organization has played a key role in codifying general principles of law?

Accepted Answer

International Law Commission

Answer

United Nations Security Council

Answer

World Trade Organization

Answer

International Court of Justice