What are the main functions of International Court of Justice?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the main judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) and the highest court for resolving disputes between states. It is also known as the World Court.

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges who are elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms. The judges must represent different legal systems and regions of the world, and no two judges can be from the same country. The ICJ has its seat in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.

The ICJ has two types of functions: contentious and advisory. In contentious cases, the ICJ settles legal disputes between states that have agreed to submit to its jurisdiction. The ICJ’s decisions are binding on the parties and cannot be appealed, but they can be enforced by the Security Council if necessary.

In advisory proceedings, the ICJ gives opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs or specialized agencies. The ICJ’s opinions are not binding, but they have great authority and influence in international law.