International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Sitting in the Peace Palace in The Hague, it performs two functions: it settles legal disputes submitted to it by States in accordance with international law, and it gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and agencies.

Its work is organised around two sets of proceedings. In contentious cases, the Court hears arguments from States that have accepted its jurisdiction and renders binding judgments. In advisory proceedings, it issues opinions requested by UN bodies and specialised agencies. Information on cases, hearings, judgments, advisory opinions and orders, together with basic legal documents and annual reports, is published on the Court's website at www.icj-cij.org.

The Court's work is governed by its Statute and Rules. Its official working languages are English and French, and it is supported by a Registry, which handles administration, the library, press information and arrangements for visitors and hearings. Professional staff work across international law, international dispute settlement and international justice.