The collective drafting of a decision of the court

The hallmark of the ICJ is undoubtedly its working methods, which are designed, above all, to reflect the collaborative process by which the judges sitting in a case before the Court reach a decision. The way in which the ICJ works, the composition of its Bench and the principle that the Court’s jurisdiction is based on State consent are what underpin the characteristic authority and legitimacy attached to Court decisions by the international community. From the earliest days of the Permanent Court of International Justice, which preceded the ICJ, international jurists were convinced that the Court’s working methods should reflect its role as a judicial institution of universal character and general jurisdiction. It was thus essential to ensure that the decision taken by the majority of its judges was reflective of a collective deliberation and drafting process, and that all judges were able to participate in that process on an equal basis, since the Court’s authority was also dependent on each judge contributing to its judicial work.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions