Public International Law Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which criterion is NOT included in the Montevideo Convention's definition of statehood?

Accepted Answer

Recognition by other states

Answer

Permanent population

Answer

Defined territory

Answer

Capacity for international relations

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a traditional source of international law?

Accepted Answer

General Assembly resolutions

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Judicial decisions of international courts

Question 3

Which principle is essential for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to function effectively?

Accepted Answer

Sovereign equality of states

Answer

Majority rule in decision-making

Answer

Automatic jurisdiction over all disputes between member states

Answer

Primacy of domestic law over international law

Question 4

Which of the following is an exception to the principles of environmental protection in international law?

Accepted Answer

The principle of absolute sovereignty

Answer

The precautionary principle

Answer

The polluter pays principle

Answer

The principle of intergenerational equity

Question 5

Evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of the growing use of technology in resolving international disputes.

Accepted Answer

Technology enhances efficiency and accessibility, but challenges include ensuring equitable access and fair proceedings.

Answer

Technology will not replace traditional dispute resolution methods like negotiation and mediation.

Answer

Technology has no significant impact on international dispute resolution.

Question 6

Which of the following is not a recognized type of international treaty?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral treaty

Answer

Bilateral treaty

Answer

Multilateral treaty

Answer

Framework treaty

Question 7

How does the International Court of Justice (ICJ) contribute to the interpretation and application of international law?

Accepted Answer

The ICJ's advisory opinions, though not legally binding, significantly influence the development of international law.

Answer

The ICJ has the sole authority to interpret and apply international law, even without state consent.

Answer

ICJ rulings are binding on all states, even if they were not involved in the case.

Answer

The ICJ has the power to enforce international law and impose its decisions on states.

Question 8

How does globalization impact international law's capacity to regulate economic activities across borders?

Accepted Answer

Interconnectedness offers chances for international law to extend its reach and effectiveness.

Answer

International law loses significance as nations prioritize economic growth over global cooperation.

Answer

Current international legal frameworks can handle globalization's challenges without the need for new laws.

Question 9

How do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contribute to international law? Consider their influence, challenges, and potential for collaboration with states.

Accepted Answer

NGOs have limited legal authority but advocate for law enforcement through lobbying and raising awareness.

Accepted Answer

NGOs influence international law development through their expertise and advocacy.

Answer

NGOs focus solely on humanitarian aid and do not engage in international law advocacy.

Answer

NGO and state collaboration is always beneficial and without drawbacks.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

National constitutions

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 11

Which international court has jurisdiction over disputes between states?

Accepted Answer

International Court of Justice

Answer

International Criminal Court

Answer

European Court of Human Rights

Answer

Permanent Court of Arbitration

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a self-executing treaty under international law?

Accepted Answer

A treaty that directly creates rights and obligations for individuals

Answer

A treaty that requires implementing legislation before it can be applied domestically

Answer

A treaty that only applies to relations between states

Answer

A treaty that is binding only on the parties to the treaty

Question 13

What is the key role of the International Law Commission in public international law?

Accepted Answer

It is the primary body responsible for codifying and developing international law

Answer

It is the body that adjudicates disputes between states

Answer

It is the body that enforces international law

Answer

It is the body that represents the interests of developing countries

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Natural law

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary law

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 15

What is the purpose of the United Nations Security Council?

Accepted Answer

To maintain international peace and security

Answer

To promote economic and social development

Answer

To protect human rights

Answer

To resolve disputes between states

Question 16

The principle of pacta sunt servanda primarily emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Obligation of states to fulfill their treaty commitments

Answer

Prohibition of the use of force in international relations

Answer

Protection of human rights

Answer

Settlement of international disputes through peaceful means

Question 17

Which characteristic best describes customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Arises from the consistent practice of states

Answer

Binding on all states, regardless of consent

Answer

Can be altered or extinguished by a subsequent treaty

Answer

Enforced exclusively by international courts and tribunals

Question 18

The United Nations Security Council's primary purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Preserve international peace and security

Answer

Promote economic and social progress

Answer

Protect human rights

Answer

Resolve disputes between states through negotiations

Question 19

Which of the following is not considered a fundamental human right?

Accepted Answer

Right to personal wealth

Answer

Right to life

Answer

Right to freedom of expression

Answer

Right to a fair trial

Question 20

The relationship between international law and domestic law is:

Accepted Answer

The relationship varies based on each country's legal system

Answer

International law always prevails over domestic law

Answer

Domestic law always prevails over international law

Answer

International law and domestic law operate independently

Question 21

Which principle forms the cornerstone of treaty law?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Rebus sic stantibus

Answer

Clausula rebus sic stantibus

Answer

Pacta tertiis nec nocent nec prosunt

Question 22

Which principle, enshrined in international law, prohibits states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states?

Accepted Answer

States are prohibited from intervening without self-defense or UN Security Council authorization.

Answer

States have the right to intervene to protect human rights.

Answer

States may intervene to maintain peace and security.

Answer

States may intervene to promote their economic interests.

Question 23

What is the primary function of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Accepted Answer

Settle disputes between states that have accepted its jurisdiction.

Answer

Provide advisory opinions on legal issues.

Answer

Enforce international law and impose sanctions.

Answer

Interpret and develop international law.

Question 24

Which of the following is considered a fundamental human right under international law?

Accepted Answer

The right to life

Answer

The right to education

Answer

The right to property

Answer

The right to vote

Question 25

What is the principle of complementarity in international criminal law?

Accepted Answer

The ICC can only prosecute if national courts are unable or unwilling.

Answer

The ICC has exclusive jurisdiction over certain crimes.

Answer

National courts and the ICC have concurrent jurisdiction.

Answer

The ICC can only prosecute individuals who have been extradited.

Question 26

According to the principle of 'pacta sunt servanda', which forms a cornerstone of international law, what is the fundamental obligation of states regarding treaties?

Accepted Answer

To observe and fulfill treaties in good faith

Answer

To refrain from entering into treaties that violate international law

Answer

To give notice of withdrawal from treaties in a timely manner

Answer

To seek consent from all affected parties before entering into treaties

Question 27

In international law, which of the following is recognized as a basis for state responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Breach of an international obligation, whether treaty-based or customary

Answer

Acts of individuals within a state's territory, even if not attributable to the state

Answer

Natural disasters or other force majeure events

Answer

Economic sanctions imposed by other states

Question 28

What is the primary mandate of the United Nations Security Council, as outlined in the UN Charter?

Accepted Answer

To maintain international peace and security by taking collective action

Answer

To promote economic and social development

Answer

To protect human rights and fundamental freedoms

Answer

To settle international disputes through peaceful means

Question 29

The principle of non-intervention in international law generally prohibits what action by one state towards another?

Accepted Answer

Interfering in the internal affairs of another state, without its consent

Answer

Using force against another state, except in self-defense or with UN authorization

Answer

Imposing economic sanctions on another state, for political or economic reasons

Answer

Providing humanitarian aid to another state, in response to a natural disaster or conflict

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

It arises from consistent state practice over time, accompanied by a belief that the practice is legally binding (opinio juris).

Answer

It is codified in written agreements, such as treaties or conventions.

Answer

It is only binding on states that have explicitly consented to it.

Answer

It can be easily modified or abolished by individual states.

Question 31

How does 'opinio juris' contribute to the formation of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It reflects the belief that a practice is legally binding.

Answer

It establishes the legal obligation of a particular practice.

Answer

It represents the consistent practice of states over time.

Answer

It involves the formal ratification of treaties.

Question 32

How has globalization affected the enforcement of international law?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement has become more challenging due to increased interdependence and state sovereignty.

Answer

Enforcement has become easier due to the growing role of international organizations.

Answer

Enforcement has remained unaffected by globalization.

Answer

Enforcement has become more effective due to increased awareness of international law.

Question 33

Which principle serves as a cornerstone in governing the validity and conclusion of treaties under international law?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Res inter alios acta

Answer

Clausula rebus sic stantibus

Answer

Jus cogens

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Accepted Answer

To resolve disputes between states

Answer

To interpret international law

Answer

To prosecute individuals for violations of international law

Answer

To create new international law

Question 35

Identify the authoritative document that outlines the sources of international law according to the International Court of Justice.

Accepted Answer

Statute of the International Court of Justice

Answer

Geneva Convention

Answer

United Nations Charter

Answer

Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties

Question 36

Which principle requires states to fulfill their treaty obligations in good faith?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Ex injuria jus non oritur

Answer

Res judicata

Answer

Estoppel

Question 37

Under the United Nations Charter, which method is the primary means of resolving international disputes?

Accepted Answer

Negotiation

Answer

Arbitration

Answer

Mediation

Answer

Judicial settlement

Question 38

What is the primary authority of the United Nations Security Council in maintaining international peace and security?

Accepted Answer

Authorizing the use of force

Answer

Establishing peacekeeping missions

Answer

Imposing sanctions

Answer

Mediating disputes

Question 39

In the context of international refugee law, what does the principle of 'non-refoulement' prohibit?

Accepted Answer

Returning refugees to their home country if they face persecution

Answer

Guaranteeing the right to asylum

Answer

Establishing the principle of burden-sharing

Answer

Protecting the rights of internally displaced persons

Question 40

What is the primary function of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

Accepted Answer

Prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes

Answer

Interpreting international treaties

Answer

Resolving territorial disputes between states

Answer

Enforcing international law

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

National legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of international law

Question 42

A valid treaty requires all of the following, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Registration with the United Nations

Answer

Consent of the parties

Answer

Legality of the object and purpose

Answer

Absence of duress or coercion

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a prohibited use of force under international law?

Accepted Answer

Territorial expansion

Answer

Self-defense

Answer

Reprisals

Answer

Collective security measures authorized by the United Nations

Question 44

The primary function of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is to:

Accepted Answer

Settle disputes between states

Answer

Interpret international treaties

Answer

Provide legal advice to international organizations

Answer

Prosecute individuals for international crimes

Question 45

The principle of pacta sunt servanda in international law means that:

Accepted Answer

Treaties must be respected and performed in good faith

Answer

States are bound by treaties they have not signed

Answer

Treaties can be modified unilaterally

Answer

Treaties are automatically terminated by war

Question 46

The main difference between customary international law and conventional international law is that:

Accepted Answer

Customary law is unwritten, while conventional law is written

Answer

Customary law is more binding than conventional law

Answer

Conventional law is more flexible than customary law

Answer

Customary law only applies to states, while conventional law can also apply to individuals

Question 47

What is the primary function of international human rights monitoring mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review and the Human Rights Council?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate countries' human rights records and suggest improvements

Answer

Enforce sanctions against countries that violate human rights

Answer

Settle human rights disputes and assign legal blame

Question 48

What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the international legal system?

Accepted Answer

To adjudicate disputes between states

Answer

To issue advisory opinions on legal questions

Answer

To enforce international law

Answer

To promote international peace and security

Question 49

Which fundamental principle underpins state sovereignty in international law?

Accepted Answer

States have inherent self-governance and independence in their internal and external affairs.

Answer

States are only bound by international law if they explicitly consent.

Answer

States have an unrestricted right to use military force against other states.

Answer

States are not responsible for the actions of their citizens or corporations under international law.

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

Domestic Legislation of States

Answer

Treaties

Answer

General Principles of Law Recognized by Civilized Nations

Answer

Customary Law

Question 51

The principle of state sovereignty implies that:

Accepted Answer

States have exclusive jurisdiction within their borders and are not subject to the authority of any other state.

Answer

States are obligated to accept the authority of international organizations like the United Nations.

Answer

States have the right to intervene in the internal affairs of other states to protect human rights.

Question 52

Which of the following is a fundamental right recognized under customary international law?

Accepted Answer

The right to life

Answer

The right to free education

Answer

The right to privacy

Answer

The right to vote

Question 53

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has jurisdiction to resolve disputes between:

Accepted Answer

States that have consented to its jurisdiction

Answer

States that are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

Answer

States that share a common border

Answer

States that are members of the United Nations

Question 54

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

Accepted Answer

It arises from widespread and consistent state practice accompanied by a sense of legal obligation (opinio juris).

Answer

It is codified in a single comprehensive document.

Answer

It is binding on all states, regardless of their consent.

Question 55

The principle of non-intervention requires states to:

Accepted Answer

Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other states.

Answer

Provide assistance to states in need.

Answer

Promote democracy and human rights worldwide.

Question 56

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties:

Accepted Answer

Provides rules for the conclusion, interpretation, and termination of treaties between states.

Answer

Contains a list of prohibited treaty provisions

Answer

Establishes a mechanism for enforcing treaty obligations

Question 57

Which fundamental principle of international law implies that all sovereign states are equal in legal status and have equal rights and obligations?

Accepted Answer

Sovereign equality of states

Answer

State immunity

Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Non-use of force

Question 58

According to the hierarchy of sources, which of the following is considered the primary source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Treaties and customary international law

Answer

Domestic legislation

Answer

General principles of law

Answer

Judicial decisions

Question 59

What is the fundamental basis for attributing responsibility to a state under international law?

Accepted Answer

Breach of an international obligation

Answer

State consent

Answer

Human rights violations

Answer

Self-determination

Question 60

What is the primary function of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Accepted Answer

To adjudicate disputes between states

Answer

To provide advisory opinions

Answer

To promote human rights

Answer

To enforce international law

Question 61

Which of the following is recognized as a fundamental human right under international law?

Accepted Answer

Right to life

Answer

Right to vote

Answer

Right to privacy

Answer

Right to property

Question 62

Under international law, what principle imposes an obligation on states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, irrespective of their internal legal systems?

Accepted Answer

Erga omnes

Answer

Due diligence

Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Non-intervention

Question 63

Which of the following is a recognized source of public international law?

Accepted Answer

Customary international law

Answer

Company policies

Answer

Religious teachings

Answer

National legislation

Question 64

What is the principle of state sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The right of a state to exercise exclusive authority within its borders without external interference.

Answer

The obligation of states to cooperate with each other in matters of international concern.

Answer

The right of states to use force in self-defense.