What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

• A. The ICJ writes constitutions for states.
• B. The ICJ settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues.
• C. The ICJ enforces domestic criminal law.
• D. The ICJ manages international treaties.

Answer: (B)

The International Court of Justice acts as the main judicial body of the United Nations, focusing on international law between states. Its role is to settle legal disputes brought by states and to issue advisory opinions on questions of international law referred by UN organs and specialized agencies. It does not write constitutional documents for states, enforce domestic criminal law, or manage treaties. Treaties are negotiated by states and, where relevant, interpreted or applied through international dispute resolution, but the court itself does not police or manage them. Enforcement of its rulings depends on state willingness and, in some cases, actions by the UN Security Council. Advisory opinions are not binding in the same way as judgments, but they carry influential legal weight.