ICJ - Procedure, Judgments & Advisory Opinions
The procedural rules, judgment effects, and advisory function of the ICJ.
- Official languages (Article 39): English and French.
- Two-part procedure: ICJ procedure consists of 2 parts — the written and the oral procedure.
- Written procedure: Consists of all papers and documents, communications to the Court and parties, and memorials and counter-memorials — all of these.
- Default of a party: If one party fails to defend or does not appear, the other party may call upon the Court to decide in favour of its claim — both situations apply.
- Binding effect of decisions: The Court's decision has no binding force except between the parties in respect of that particular case.
- Finality (Article 60): The judgment is final and without appeal; in case of dispute over its meaning or scope, the Court shall construe it upon request of a party.
- Revision: An application for revision may be filed on the ground of discovery of a new factor, and must be made within 6 months of that discovery.
- Time limit (Article 61): No application for revision may be made after 10 years from the date of the judgment.
- Advisory Opinions (Article 65): The ICJ may give an advisory opinion on a legal question at the request of a body duly authorized by the UN to make such a request.
- Proposing amendments (Articles 69 & 70): The ICJ may propose amendments to its Statute through written communication to the Secretary-General for consideration.The International Court of Justice ARTICLE 70 is empowered to propose new amendments UNDER the Statute of the International Court of Justice to Secretary General for the consideration.