The court’s jurisdiction and the principle of consent

The function of the ICJ in contentious cases is to decide in accordance with international law the disputes submitted to it by States. Therefore, it can only deal with a dispute if it is asked to do so by one or more States, and thus it does not decide how many cases are brought before it, what subject-matter they cover or when they are submitted. The Court cannot conduct its own investigations or rule on the actions of States on its own initiative; nor can it resolve all international conflicts, however grave or concerning they may be, since it cannot seise itself of a dispute.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions