The question (15 marks)
“International law is not law properly so called.” Examine this criticism and state, with reasons, whether international law is law. (15 marks)
MU Module I, heads 1.1 to 1.3; chapter on the nature of international law.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 1 · Nature and Sources of Public International Law.
Authorities you will need
- Statute of the International Court of Justice 1945, art. 38
- Charter of the United Nations 1945, arts. 2(3), 2(4), 41 and 42
- Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), ICJ Reports 1986, p. 14
- Corfu Channel Case (United Kingdom v. Albania), ICJ Reports 1949, p. 4
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.