ICJ - Organization & Functioning

The internal organization, obligations, and administrative rules of the ICJ.

• Restrictions on judges (Article 16): Members may not exercise political or administrative functions, nor engage in any other occupation — all of these restrictions apply.
• Further restrictions (Article 17): Members may not act as agent, counsel, or advocate in any case — both roles are barred.
• Diplomatic privileges (Article 19): Members enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities.
• Solemn declaration (Article 20): Every member must make a solemn declaration in open court before taking up duties.
• President & Vice-President (Article 21): The Court elects its President and Vice-President for a term of 3 years; it also elects/appoints its Registrar — the Court elects/appoints all of these (President, Vice-President, Registrar).
• Quorum (Article 25): A quorum of 9 judges suffices to constitute the Court.
• Chambers (Article 26): The Court may form one or more chambers of 3 or more judges for particular categories of cases (e.g., labor cases, transit and communication cases).
• Ad hoc chambers (Article 26(2)): The Court may form a chamber for a particular case, with the number of judges determined with the approval of the parties.
• Rules of Court (Article 30): The ICJ frames the rules for carrying out its functions under Article 30.
• Expenses (Article 33): The expenses of the Court are borne by the United Nations, in a manner decided by the General Assembly.