International Court of Justice (2009)

Chair: TBA
Political Officer: James Harmon – University of Washington
Email: icj(at)cimun.org

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. It is based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. Its main functions are to settle legal disputes submitted to it by member states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by duly authorized international organs, agencies, and the UN General Assembly. At CIMUN, delegates assigned to the ICJ will serve as justices on the court. Delegations that are party to a case on the docket will be responsible for serving as an advocate when requested by the court. More information on the functioning of the ICJ can be found below.

ICJ Docket:

1. Application of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995 (FYR Macedonia v. Greece)
          The Legality of Greek Opposition to Macedonian Membership in NATO
2. Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Georgia v. Russia)
          Alleged Russian Discrimination in South Ossetia
3. Accordance with International Law of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Kosovo (Advisory Opinion)
          The Legitimacy of an Independent Kosovo

Committee Documents:

Background Guide (Will be posted in early September)
Information for Justices (Will be posted in early September)
Information for Advocates and Briefs (Will be posted in early September)

Delegate Advocates:

Delegations that are party to a case on the ICJ docket (FYR Macedonia, Greece, Georgia and Russia) will be responsible for appearing before the court as a national advocate when their case in being considered. When requested by the court, the Present Day Head Delegate (or a designated substitute) will be excused from their committee to appear as an advocate. Specific requirements for advocates will be distributed to school and posted on this page soon. There will be a designated Advocate Coordinator who will provide assistance both before and during the conference. An award will be given for the best advocate.

Additionally, any delegation that feels they have an interest in one or more of the cases may submit a brief. If your delegation chooses to submit a brief, you may be called to present before the court. An award will also be given for the best brief. 

News and Updates: