Sources of International Law: Treaties, Customary Law, and General Principles

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of treaties in the international legal system?

Accepted Answer

To establish legally binding obligations between states

Answer

To establish international organizations

Answer

To codify general principles of international law

Answer

To resolve disputes between individuals

Question 2

What is the significance of general principles of law recognized by civilized nations in international law?

Accepted Answer

They provide a basis for the development of new rules of international law

Answer

They are binding on all states regardless of their consent

Answer

They apply only in the absence of specific treaty provisions

Answer

They are used primarily to settle disagreements between private parties

Question 3

Which one of the following is NOT a feature of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It is applicable to all states universally

Answer

It is generally unwritten

Answer

Its binding force stems from state practice

Answer

It can be modified by subsequent customary practice

Question 4

What is the significance of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?

Accepted Answer

It establishes universal rules on the formation, interpretation, and termination of treaties

Answer

Its provisions are binding on all states even if they are not party to it

Answer

It applies only to treaties involving two or more parties

Answer

It has been superseded by the United Nations Charter

Question 5

Which one of the following is NOT a potential factor contributing to the decline of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Decisions of the United Nations Security Council

Answer

Changes in state practice

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Authoritative interpretations of treaties

Question 6

What is the significance of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?

Accepted Answer

It codifies the rules governing the creation and interpretation of treaties.

Answer

It creates new rules of international law that are binding on all states.

Answer

It overrides any conflicting customary international law rules.

Answer

It has no practical effect on international law.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a peremptory norm of international law (jus cogens)?

Accepted Answer

The prohibition of genocide

Answer

The principle of state sovereignty

Answer

The obligation to respect diplomatic immunity

Answer

The right to self-determination

Question 8

What is the role of general principles of law in international law?

Accepted Answer

To supplement treaties and customary law

Answer

To override treaties and customary law.

Answer

To create new rules of international law.

Answer

To have no effect on international law.

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary source of international law, as recognized by the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Treaties

Answer

National Constitutions

Answer

Court Decisions

Answer

Academic Writings

Question 10

Customary international law is based on:

Accepted Answer

Long-standing practices and principles

Answer

Written agreements between states

Answer

Decisions by international courts

Answer

General principles of morality

Question 11

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations are often derived from:

Accepted Answer

Municipal legal systems

Answer

Scientific studies

Answer

Religious texts

Answer

Economic theories

Question 12

The principle of pacta sunt servanda means that:

Accepted Answer

Agreements must be fulfilled in good faith

Answer

Treaties must be broken in times of war

Answer

Treaties should be revised when circumstances change

Answer

Contracts are more important than treaties

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a way to interpret a treaty under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties?

Accepted Answer

Personal interpretation

Answer

Textual interpretation

Answer

Historical interpretation

Answer

Teleological interpretation

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

States that have consented to its jurisdiction

Answer

Individuals

Answer

Corporations

Answer

States that are members of the United Nations

Question 15

Which source of international law is NOT recognized by the International Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

National legislations

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 16

Which statement about treaties is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Treaties create obligations only between the parties that have ratified them.

Answer

Treaties are binding on all states, regardless of their ratification status.

Answer

Treaties can be modified or terminated only with the consent of all parties involved.

Answer

Treaties are the sole source of international law that is created by states.

Question 17

Customary international law is based on:

Accepted Answer

Long-standing and prevalent practices that are accepted as law

Answer

Written agreements between states

Answer

Decisions of international courts and tribunals

Answer

General principles of justice and morality

Question 18

Revised: As per the International Court of Justice, what is the primary element in the formation of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Consistent state practice

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Academic writings

Answer

Judicial decisions

Question 19

Revised: Which of the following is not a requirement when establishing a legally binding treaty?

Accepted Answer

Registration with the United Nations

Answer

Consent of the parties involved

Answer

Written form of the treaty

Answer

Domestic approval before ratification

Question 20

Revised: Define the principle of "pacta sunt servanda."

Accepted Answer

Treaties must be adhered to and fulfilled

Answer

States can withdraw from treaties at any time

Answer

Customary international law prevails over treaties

Answer

Treaties only bind the consenting parties

Question 21

Revised: Describe the primary function of the International Law Commission.

Accepted Answer

To codify and develop international law

Answer

To adjudicate international disputes

Answer

To provide legal advice to states

Answer

To enforce international law

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

National legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 23

Customary international law is formed through:

Accepted Answer

The consistent practice of states over time, accompanied by a belief that the practice is required by law

Answer

The adoption of a treaty by a majority of states

Answer

The decision of an international court or tribunal

Answer

The unilateral declaration of a state

Question 24

A treaty differs from an executive agreement because:

Accepted Answer

A treaty requires the approval of the national legislature, while an executive agreement does not

Answer

An executive agreement is more formal than a treaty

Answer

A treaty is binding on all states, while an executive agreement is only binding on the parties to the agreement

Answer

There is no difference between a treaty and an executive agreement

Question 25

The International Court of Justice:

Accepted Answer

Can interpret existing international law

Answer

Can create new international law

Answer

Can enforce international law

Answer

Can do none of the above

Question 26

The relationship between international law and domestic law:

Accepted Answer

The relationship between international law and domestic law varies depending on the state

Answer

International law is always superior to domestic law

Answer

Domestic law is always superior to international law

Answer

International law and domestic law are independent of each other

Question 27

For customary international law to be recognized, it must be:

Accepted Answer

Practiced consistently over an extended period.

Answer

Accepted by all nations without exception.

Answer

Embodied in a formal written document.

Answer

Enforced by an international court.

Question 28

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' refers to the obligation of nations to:

Accepted Answer

Keep their agreements.

Answer

Respect the sovereignty of other nations.

Answer

Protect human rights.

Answer

Abide by international law.

Question 29

A distinguishing characteristic of customary international law is that it:

Accepted Answer

Originates from the practices of nations.

Answer

Arises from agreements between nations.

Answer

Only binds nations that explicitly consent to it.

Answer

Must be documented in writing.

Question 30

Treaties, customary international law, general principles of law recognized by civilized nations are which type of sources in International Law?

Accepted Answer

Primary Sources

Answer

Dependent Sources

Answer

Subsidiary Sources

Answer

Complementary Sources

Question 31

Which of the following is a requirement for a rule to be considered customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Widespread and consistent practice by states over time, accompanied by a sense of legal obligation

Answer

Consent of all states

Answer

Codification by an international organization

Answer

Recognition by a majority of states

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a general principle of law recognized by civilized nations?

Accepted Answer

Absolute state sovereignty

Answer

Good faith

Answer

Equality of states

Answer

Responsibility for international wrongs

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

It is created by the consistent practice of states

Answer

It is universally binding

Answer

It cannot be modified by treaty

Answer

It is written down in a single document

Question 34

What is the relationship between international law and domestic law?

Accepted Answer

International law and domestic law are distinct but complementary systems.

Answer

International law is supreme over domestic law.

Answer

Domestic law is supreme over international law.

Answer

International law and domestic law are mutually exclusive.

Question 35

What is the principle of pacta sunt servanda?

Accepted Answer

Treaties must be observed in good faith

Answer

Customary international law is binding on all states

Answer

General principles of law are universally applicable

Answer

States are sovereign and equal

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a goal of international law?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the supremacy of domestic law within states

Answer

To prevent war and armed conflict

Answer

To protect human rights

Answer

To promote economic development

Question 37

How does the relationship between international law and domestic law affect the way countries incorporate and enforce international norms?

Accepted Answer

It affects both the incorporation and enforcement of international norms.

Answer

It only affects the incorporation of international norms.

Answer

It only affects the enforcement of international norms.

Question 38

Which theory of international law emphasizes the importance of state consent and the role of treaties?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Natural Law

Answer

Realism

Answer

Functionalism

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

Municipal legislation

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a treaty?

Accepted Answer

The United Nations Charter

Answer

The Declaration of Human Rights

Answer

The Constitution of the United States

Answer

The Magna Carta

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Widely practiced and recognized as law by states

Answer

Codified in written form

Answer

Enforceable by domestic courts

Answer

Only applicable to specific regions

Question 42

Which of the following is a principle that can guide the interpretation of international law?

Accepted Answer

Pacta sunt servanda

Answer

Stare decisis

Answer

Habeas corpus

Answer

Res judicata

Question 43

Which of the following is a challenge associated with the use of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to prove the existence of a customary rule

Answer

It is often outdated and irrelevant

Answer

It is only binding on states that have consented to it

Question 44

Which of the following is a general principle of law recognized by civilized nations?

Accepted Answer

Good faith

Answer

Double jeopardy

Answer

The right to a fair trial

Answer

Freedom of speech

Question 45

Which of the following is not considered a primary source of international law?

Accepted Answer

Decisions of national courts

Answer

General principles of law recognized by civilized nations

Answer

Treaties

Answer

Customary international law

Question 46

The principle of 'pacta sunt servanda' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The legal obligation for States to fulfill the terms of treaties to which they are party

Answer

The illegality of the use of force in international relations

Answer

The right of States to withdraw from treaties at any time

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

The prohibition of torture

Answer

The United Nations Charter

Answer

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Answer

The International Court of Justice

Question 48

What is the role of 'opinio juris' in the formation of customary international law?

Accepted Answer

It signifies the conviction of states that a particular practice is legally binding

Answer

It establishes the legal framework for international courts

Answer

It outlines the procedures for treaty ratification

Question 49

The principle of 'res judicata' in international law refers to:

Accepted Answer

The finality and binding nature of judgments by international courts

Answer

The right of states to seek judicial review of treaties

Answer

The obligation of states to comply with international law

Answer

The process of resolving disputes through diplomatic negotiations

Question 50

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between treaties and customary international law?

Accepted Answer

Treaties can codify and formalize existing customary international law

Answer

Customary international law always prevails over treaties

Answer

Treaties always prevail over customary international law

Question 51

What significance does the 'jus cogens' principle have in international law?

Accepted Answer

It denotes peremptory norms of international law that cannot be derogated from

Answer

It defines the principles of state sovereignty

Answer

It establishes the legal framework for international tribunals

Question 52

A state's reservation to a treaty is:

Accepted Answer

A formal declaration by a state that excludes or modifies the application of certain provisions of a treaty

Answer

A formal agreement to withdraw from a treaty

Answer

A proposal for amendments to a treaty

Question 53

The International Law Commission (ILC) primarily functions to:

Accepted Answer

Progressively develop and codify international law

Answer

Enforce international law through sanctions

Answer

Resolve international disputes through arbitration

Answer

Provide legal advice to states on international law

Question 54

How does the principle of 'stare decisis' apply to international law?

Accepted Answer

It has limited application, since international law is primarily based on treaties and custom

Answer

It is only binding on international tribunals, not national courts

Answer

It is a fundamental principle of international law