International Law Notes, Case Laws and Reading Materials
Study Notes & Comprehensive Materials
LawBhoomi offers extensive structured modules covering key topics like the Law of Treaties, State Responsibility, Sources and Subjects of International Law, Private vs Public International Law, Recognition & Jurisdiction, and more
OurLegalWorld provides targeted notes and resources tailored for Legal Entrance Exams (CLAT, Judiciary), featuring modules on ICJ composition, State Recognition, Law of the Sea, and clearly organized case law breakdowns
Landmark Case Laws
ICJ & International Court Cases
S.S. Lotus (France v. Turkey, 1927): Established broad jurisdiction for states on the high seas unless expressly prohibited
Anglo‑Norwegian Fisheries (1951): Clarified the formation of customary law and exceptions in maritime delimitation
Chorzow Factory (Indemnity) Case (1928): Principles on state responsibility and reparations for treaty violations
Nicaragua v. United States (1986): Defined customary and treaty law scope, especially regarding use of force
Island of Palmas (1928): Sovereignty based on continuous and peaceful administration, not discovery
Asylum Case (Colombia/Peru, 1950): Diplomatic asylum and sovereignty limits
Armed Activities in Congo (DRC v. Uganda, 2005): Use of force without consent and its illegality
Corfu Channel (UK v. Albania, 1949): Established obligation not to knowingly let territory be used for hostile acts and contributed to the doctrine of innocent passage in UNCLOS
Bosnian Genocide Case (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia, 2007): Serbia found failing to prevent genocide and violating provisional measures (Wikipedia).
Qatar v. Bahrain (2001): Territorial and maritime dispute resolved by ICJ; significant in Arab regional jurisprudence (
U.S. & Regional Jurisprudence
Filártiga v. Peña‑Irala (1980): Opened U.S. courts to human rights violations occurring abroad under the Alien Tort Statute
Kiobel v. Shell: Ruled that corporations cannot be held liable under customary international law in U.S. courts unless norms are specific, universal, and obligatory
Water Splash, Inc. v. Menon (2017): U.S. Supreme Court held that service abroad by mail is valid under the Hague Service Convention unless objected to
Recent Advisory Opinions & International Developments
ICJ Climate Opinion (July 2025): The court issued a unanimous advisory opinion stating that countries have a legal obligation to combat climate change, regulate private sector emissions, and may bear reparations if they fail to act. It recognizes a healthy environment as a human right
A related ICJ advisory determined that failing to combat climate change could violate international law and emphasized state due diligence obligations
Books & Casebooks
A widely used textbook: Cases & Materials in International Law (9th ed., 2020) by D. J. Harris and Sandesh Sivakumaran — great for comprehensive case analysis and commentary
An earlier edition (8th ed., 2015) remains popular and accessible
Additional Resources & Student Advice
Reddit recommendation: CaseBriefs.com, Investment Policy Hub, and italaw are useful for international case summaries and tribunal decisions
LawProf.co offers over 1,200 free English law case notes—many from India
Summary Table
| Category | Resources & Cases |
|---|---|
| Exam-focused Notes | LawBhoomi, OurLegalWorld portals |
| ICJ Landmark Cases | Lotus, Chorzow, Corfu Channel, Genocide Case, Congo, Palmas, Asylum, Nicaragua |
| Other Important Cases | Filártiga, Kiobel, Water Splash |
| Recent Advisory Opinion | 2025 ICJ climate obligations advisory |
| Study Books | Harris & Sivakumaran casebook (9th ed.); 8th ed. versions |
| Case Brief Tools | casebriefs.com, italaw, investment policy databases |
| Free Notes | LawProf.co |
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