Which institution settles disputes between states and issues advisory opinions on international law issues?

• A. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• B. The World Bank
• C. The United Nations
• D. The International Monetary Fund

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is identifying the primary international forum for settling disputes between states and issuing advisory opinions on international law. The International Court of Justice is the main judicial body of the United Nations and the only international court that can resolve disputes between states when they consent to its jurisdiction, as well as offer advisory opinions on questions of international law brought by UN organs or specialized agencies. It operates from The Hague, and its authority comes from consent, either through treaty provisions or a special agreement for a specific case. This dual role—settling contentious disputes and providing non-binding but highly influential legal advice—defines its function in the international system. In contrast, the World Bank and the IMF are financial institutions focused on lending and economic policy, not adjudicating disputes or issuing legal opinions, and the United Nations is a political organization rather than a court, though it can refer legal questions to the ICJ.