What is the main function of International Court of Justice? What are the advantages of the ICJ?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945 as the successor of the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), which was created by the League of Nations in 1920. The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands, in the Peace Palace, which also houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

The main function of the ICJ is to settle legal disputes submitted by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. The ICJ has jurisdiction over cases involving international law, such as treaties, human rights, territorial disputes, maritime issues, genocide, and environmental protection.

The ICJ can only hear cases between states that have consented to its jurisdiction, either by a special agreement or by a declaration accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the court. The ICJ cannot deal with cases involving individuals, non-governmental organizations, corporations, or other entities.

The advantages of the ICJ are that it provides a peaceful and impartial way of resolving international conflicts, that it contributes to the development and clarification of international law, that it promotes respect for the rule of law and human dignity among nations, and that it enhances the credibility and legitimacy of the UN as a global organization. The ICJ also serves as a source of guidance and inspiration for national and regional courts, as well as for other international tribunals and bodies.