International Court of Justice (2009)

Chair: Gokul Sripada, Attorney-at-Law; CIMUN I Staff
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. Questions relating to the Obligation to Prosecute or Extradite (Belgium vs. Senegal)
          The Extradition of Former Chadian President Hissen Habre

Committee Documents:

Background Guide

Judges (Elected Members of the Court):

Delegates that are attending CIMUN as Judges are required to submit "position papers," however in a different format.
- Judges are required to sign onto the CIMUN Net delegate website to discuss the topics on the Delegate Forums.
- Advocates will post Memorials, which will be available before the conference. Judges will have private access to all Memorials.
- Evidence used in the court will largely be based on claims made by the Advocates. However, Judges in the ICJ use UN reports and other 3rd party information to assess the claims that are made. Furthermore, the ICJ can request witnesses and experts to address the issues presented in the case.
- Witnesses and expert requests must be made before November 25, 2009. Only Judges can request witnesses and experts. The Registrar will do their best to issue subpoenas to witnesses in a timely fashion, though their presence is subject to their availability and the resources of the ICJ. Witness requests can be found here.

Advocates:

Delegations that are party to a case on the ICJ docket (FYR Macedonia, Greece, Belgium, Senegal, 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. 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. 

Advocate Requirements:
- Each case has two Advocates. The country that has brought the case to the ICJ is referred to as the "Applicant." The country that has come to the Court to defend themselves is referred to as the "Respondent." Both Applicants and Respondents must submit a Memorial or Counter-Memorial, respectively. The Memorial consists of the facts of the case and the entirety of the arguments of the case on behalf of the Applicant. The Counter-Memorial outlines the position of the defense in the case.
- Memorials and Counter Memorials must be submitted at the same time by Nov 22, 2009.
- After both Memorials and Counter Memorials are submitted, they are made public.
- Applicants and Respondents will be required to submit their Memorials and Counter-Memorials in a verbal presentation to the Court, as well as answer any questions from the Judges.
- Click here to view a sample Memorial and Counter Memorial.