Public International Law Rama Rao Notes
Public International Law Rama Rao Notes
Public International Law Rama Rao Notes
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PUBLIC
INTERNATIONAL
LAW
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[PEACE ]
INTRODUCTION
International Law' is one c f the finest subjects for studying, ‘as it opens
up new horizons to navigate beyond the egg-shell enclosure of one’s mental
faculties. It is our duty to know the law of our Country {Ignoranlia juris non.
excusat!) but it is a privilege to know the Law of Nations. States are legal
persons and are subjects of International Law. It is impossible to imagine the
States today, carrying on their multifarious activities across the borders, on an
unprecedented scale, in a legal vacuum! That ipso facto must justify the
existence of a large number of principles and rules governing the conduct of
the States. In recent years the proliferation of International Institutions, has
given a new dimension to the Law of Nations. Moreover, there is so much of
International activity that hundreds of conferences and meeting are held round
the year, speaking volumes to the fact, that International Law is in operation.
In recent years a countless number of Conventions and treaties have been
concluded so much so the corpus of the Law of Nations has grown in its
magnitude Much credit goes to the "International Law Commission" which
has toiled in chiseling & trimming to draft form the norms of International
Law scattered in various forms often obscure and indefinite.
The basic principles of the subject should be carefully studied with a broad-
outlook, to understand the significance; Cases and Materials should be
adroitly selected. Specialization should be attempted later.
World Peace is the cherished objective of all Nations. International Law is
a means to reach that.
The sounding prophetic words' of Isaiah “States shall beat their swords
into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not
lift sword against nation neither shall they learn war anymore,' became the
roots of pacifism and has grown over the centuries into the concept of World
Peace.
State is a composite body consisting of men. Let us then learn specialise
and endeavour to bring about World Peace and Security, Opportunity may
open up to enable you to serve in a bigger capacity but until then there is no
reason to get disappointed! They also serve who only stand and wait!
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QUESTIONS BANK
(2) Define Self Preservation. Is it allowed under the U.N. Charter? Explain
with illustrations how on grounds of necessity a State may resort to self-
defence measures.
8. 'The Grotians stand midway between the Positivists and the
Naturalists'.
Explain with reference to the Schools of International Law.
9. (!) Write an essay on the Freedom of the Open Sea.
(2) Discuss the concept of 'Continental Shelf with reference to recent
developments.
10. How are Ambassadors classified? What are their functions? Explain the
privileges & Immunities of the Ambassadors.
11. What is the rationale for ratification of treaties? What is the effect of
reservation to treaties? Refer to the LCI's Advisory opinion on Reservation
to Genocide Convention 1951.
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CONTENTS
(International Law)
Chapters Pages Chapters Pages
CHAPTER 1
Legal Basis of International Law
i) Definition : International Law is defined as a body of
principles & rules commonly observed by States in their mutual
relationship with each other. It ; includes the law relating to States
& International organisations and also International Organisations
inter se. It also includes the rules of law relating to international
institutions and individuals, and non-State entities and individuals.
operation.
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CHAPTER 2
SOURCES Sources of
International Law.
i) Meaning : 'Source', according to Oppenheim, means the
ultimate origin from which the law originates. When we see a river
and desire to know its source, we must go up the river until we
reach a particular point where the water is oozing out naturally
from the soil. That is the source of the river. Similarly, in order to
find out the source of the principles of International Law we must
track back to a particular point. That is the source.
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ii) The Statute of the I.C.J. in Art. 38, has enumerated the
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International Custom:
This is the original source of International law. It manifests in (i)
Diplomatic Correspondence of States, (ii) Practice of International
Organisations (iii) State Court's decisions, (iv) State Practice &
Administrative actions etc.
Origin : Custom has its-origin in a usage.,If the usage is
continuous, uniform and followed for a number of years it becomes
a custom. Usage is the twilight zone of custom. But. two
conditions must be satisfied :
(i) Corpus test : A material fact of the actual observance of a
line of conduct by the States. This mus. be shown as a fact.
(ii) Animus test : There must be an intention to follow the
custom. It reaches a stage of approval 'opinio juris sive
necessitatis' (Jurists' opinion as of necessity). Then, the principle
(usage) becomes an International Custom. This is the process of the
consummation of an usage into an International custom.
In the Lotus Case, the Court (P.C.I.J.) held that the opinio
juris must be drawn from all the circumstances, & not merely from
the facts on hand. In the Right of Passage case (Portugal Vs.
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India), the I.C.J. held that a particular practice between two States
only may give rise to binding customary law. It held that Portugal
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had a right of passage for civilians but not for military officials.
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Govt.
(iii) In the Temple of Preah Vihear Case the I.C.J. held that
Thailand was precluded by her conduct from questioning
Cambodia's sovereignty over the Temple.
(iv) In the Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions Case the
P.C.I.J. applied the doctrine of Subrogation.
Comments : It is stated that the recognition of 'General
Principles' as a source of law would sound the deathknell of
positivism. This statement is overdrawn, Positivits believe in the
common consent of the States as the basis of International Law.
Naturalists believe in the superiority of natural law only. Hence,
these two are opposite schools. The; above comment is a reference to
this and believes that the recognition of 'General Principles' based on
Natural law ended the positivists theory. But, this is not so. The
I.C.J. applies Treaties & Customs and only in their absence, resorts
to the 'General Principles of Law recognised by Civilised Nations/
Hence, priority is given to positive law.
d) judicial Precedents:
The decisions of the I.C.J., the P.C.I.J., the International
Arbitration Tribunals and the National Supreme Courts form the
fourth source of International Law. This is followed by the Courts
not only as a source, but also as the best evidence available to show
the existence of rules of International Law referred to in those
decisions, e.g.. ( i ) I.C.J.. decisions. The Fisheries Case (drawing of
straight base- line to determine the territorial waters), the
Reparations case declaring the U.N. as successor to the League of
Nations & that U,N. is an International Person have laid down
new principles of International law.
ii) P.C.I.J. : Palmas Island Case
iii) International court of Arbitration : Savarkar's case, Pious
Fund case, North Atlantic Coast Fisheries case etc.
iv) State Courts : Franconia case, Scotia case, Paqueta Habana
case etc.
e) Juristic Writings :
This is the source, next to the precedents. The I.C.J. may
refer to the teachings of the most highly qualified; publicists of the
various nations. In the 16th & 17th Centuries, writers on
International law held a pre-eminent position as this system of
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f) Ex aequo et bono
This is the final source. This means equity & good
conscience. This saves the situation of helplessness of the Court.
One of the fundamentals of the judiciary is to solve the .dispute
on hand and not plead its helplessness or non- availability of any
definite law. In such a case, as a last resort, the court relies on its
own concept of equity and good conscience & decides the case on
hand, if the parties agree e.g., The P.C.I.J in the Diversion of
water from the River Meuse case said 'He who seeks equity must
do equity'. Hence, one party by non-performance, cannot take
advantage of a similar non-performance by the other party.
In the Rann of Kutch Arbitration (India V. Pakistan), both
parties relied on equity as part of International law, in deciding the
boundary dispute between the two parties the Tribunal found the
two deep inlets of Nagar Parkar as part of Pakistan, on grounds
of equity.
In the Continental Shelf Cases and in the Barcelona Traction
Case, the I.C.J has applied equitable principles to solve the
disputes.
CHAPTER 3
International Law Vs. Municipal Law
i) Introduction :
Two aspects are to be noted in the relationship between
Municipal Law & International Law. One is the theoretical
question whether both laws are part of a Universal legal order, or,
are two different systems. The other is the conflict between them in
the Municipal courts as to the primacy of Municipal Law over
International Law, or vice versa.
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are :-
*
1. Affecting the rights of subjects (citizens).
2. Modifying a statute. *
3. Vesting additional powers on the Crown.
4. Imposing financial burden.
Legislation is also necessary, if there is a provision for
cession of the territory.
Hence in case of treaties, incorporation is necessary,
otherwise, Muncipal law will prevail.
Practice of States : In U.S.A.
i) International Custom : The procedure is the same as in
U.K.
ii) International Treaties : The practice Is different- a s the U.S.
Constitution in Art. 6(2) provides that treaties are The Supreme –
Law of the land'. There is a clear distinction between self executing
and non-self executing treaties. Self executing treaties operate
without legislation. In case of non- self- executing treaties. they will
he operative only after legislation,
INDIA : Art. 51, of Directive Principles of State policy, provides
tor respect for International Law'. This provision is a reference to
the State Policy only. Broadly speaking the practice of U.K. is
followed in India, (Beruberi Union Case).
CHAPTER 4
• CODIFICATION
Codification
To provide definite laws to the International Courts. National
Courts. and Tribunals and to stimulate the willingness of States to
submit International disputes, codification gained momentum.
The idea of
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The first successful attempt was made at the First Hague Conference
convened by Emperor Nicholas II of Russa in 1899, This showed the
possibility of codification. The conference .codified inter alia : ,
i) Pacific settlement of disputes : and ii) Law and custom of war on land.
The second Hague Conference of 1907 passed 13 conventions. They
relate to Maritime Navigation, rules of war. Neutrality and opening of
Hostilities, etc., ^
A parallel development in the ‘field was the peace Treaty of 1919. It
provided for the League of Nations and the ILO and PCIJ. The League provided
for an International Law Commission consisting of 15 .Jurists. Subjects which
were ripe for codification were selected by them. Codification relating to
nationality, territorial waters, privileges and immunities of Ambassadors etc., were
successfully made.
The convention declared the renunciation of war as an instrument of
National Policy (1929).
. The codification of International Law conference met in 1930 provided for
conflict of Nationality laws; and Statelessness. etc.
Under the United Nations, the International Law Commission is charged with
the duty of codification and progressive development of International law. There
are now 34, members. Since 1948, the International Law Commission has
conducted its deliberations and submitted its drafts.
Codification has been made on many main topics .e.g., Privileges and
Immunities of Ambassadors. & of consuls and treaty law, etc. ,The
Commission has endeavored to give clear expression where there is a common
measure of agreement or uniform practice.
Codification has been viewed as systemization & codification of principles
agreed upon and (ii) agreement on hitherto divergent issues and practices..
Codification exposed the States to dangers of unanimity Rule. It also
showed that certain States did not like to commit in writing what they were
actually practicing.
Further, uniformity in opinion was not available and lengthy preparations
and discussions were inevitable. The earlier Conferences could not, possibly
achieve much:
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The International Law Commission under the U.N. is almost free from
the dangers stated above. Its work is commendable and laudable
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CHAPTER 5
STATES AS SUBJECTS
EXCEPTIONS :
i) Though it. is the conduct of the state that is regulated by international
law, in the ultimate analysis it is the conduct of the individuals that is regulated.
As Westlake opines 'The rights & duties of the States are ultimately the rights and
duties of-men. that compose them. Hence, though the States are normal subjects,
they may endow the individuals with the International rights & duties and to that
extent make them subjects of International law.
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ii) Pirates who commit Piracy Jure Gentium on the high seas are liable to
punishment under International law. To that extent they are the subjects of
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vi) War Criminals : The Nirenberg and Tokyo trials after II World War
showed that individuals could be tried for International crimes like crimes against
peace, crimes against humanity and crimes under the law of War.
Eichmann’s Trial fortifies the above position. The Nuremberg- Trial rightly
stated that crimes against International law are committed by men not by abstract
entities (States) and only by punishing individuals who commit crimes, can the
provisions of International, law be enforced.
vii) Genocide Convention : This provi des for punishment of those who
commit genocide, the punishment may be awarded by National or International
courts.
viii) European Commission for Human Rights has been empowered to
investigate and to report on violation of' human rights by the Member States. The
Lawless case decided by the European Court of Human Rights is an example.
ix) United Nations : The I. C. J. in the Reparations case held that the
United Nations is an International person. It is also 'declared as the subject of
International law, capable of International rights and obligations.
x) The Specialised Agencies like I.L.O., U.P.U., are International persons and
hence the subjects of International law as per their Constitutions.
xi) Regional Arrangements : Like the NATO., SEATO., etc. are also
endowed with International personality. Hence they are also subjects of
International law in a limited w iv.
These factors evidently prove that apart from Sovereign States, there are others
which are also the subjects though '.in a limited sense. It is no doubt true that
States are mainly the subjects, as the capacity to follow International
obligations, is on them primarily.
CHAPTER 6
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i) Definition :
It is the free act by which one or more States acknowledge the existence of
a politically organised independent sovereign community capable of observing
International obligations.
The recognition is for the membership of the 'Family of Nations'. Until
1857, there was an European family of Nations but in 1857, Turkey was admitted to
it and since then, it is no longer an exclusive European family of Nations. Today -
recognition is with reference to this family of Nations. (This is different from the
membership to the United Nations). ) Theories :
There are two theories :i) The Constitutive? theory and ii) The Declaratory
theory According to the Constitutive theory, the act of recognition alone creates
statehood, whereas according to the Declaratory theory, State exists prior to ,
and, independent of recognition. The act of recognition is merely a formal
acknowledgment of. an established situation. Hence, a new State becomes a
member of the family of Nations ipso facto by rising into existence and
recognition supplies only the necessary evidence of this fact.
recognition dating back to the actual rising into existence of the State, c) The
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courts, in respect of treaties, take into consideration not the date of operation but
the date of coming into existence of the State.
In Luthor V Sagor : P company had owned a quantity of wood in Russia,
but it was nationalized by Russia which it took over in 1919, under a order. This
wood when sold by the Govt was bought by D company from the new USSR
Govt. P claimed
that the decree was not applicable as U.K. had not recognised USSR Govt. in
1919. U.K. recognised in 192.1. The English Court held that the Crown's
recognition of Soviet regime in 1921 was retroactive dating back to the time of
Soviet regime seizing power in 1917 and hence, its seizure of timber was
recognised as legal.
Hence, ipso facto by raising into existence, the new community becomes a
member of the family of Nations & recognition is only an acceptance of this fact.
Podesta Costa's theory :
His opinion that recognition is Facultative and not obligatory is more in accord
with State practice. When recognition is granted by States, they make it certain
that the new State to be recognised had the requisite legal qualifications. Only to
this degree, the act of recognition is a duty.
Consequences of recognition-:
Recognition confers a 'status' under international law & municipal law. The
recognised state gets certain rights, powers and privileges, as a consequence thereof. In
the absence of recognition, there would be certain disabilities to the unrecognised
state. For example, it cannot sue in the municipal courts of the state which has not
recognised it, similarly, its representatives cannot get privileges & immunities, etc.
Recognition'cures these & pther disabilities.
i) The new State acquires the capacity to enter into'relations with recognised
State and conclude treaties with them. The new State gets the? right to send & to
receive Ambassadors. (Active & Passive Legation), These ambassadors are entitled to
privileges & immunities in these States,
Past treaties revive" and come into force automatically. The new State gets
the right to sue in the recognising States.
iii) It acquires for itself and for its property immunity from the jurisdiction of
the recognising States.
iv) If it is a new successor State which ,is recognised, it becomes entitled to
demand and to receive possession of its predecessor's property situated in the
recognising States.
v) Recognition is retro-active and hence the courts of the recognising States are
not to question the legality of the acts (past & future) of the New State.
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simlarly, the new state also becomes sujects to certain obligations. Thus, it gets
the benefits & burdents according to International Law.
Ch. 6.3 De facto & Dejure.'
De facto is purely provisional or temporary. But de jure is final and binding.
De facto can be withdrawn if the existing circumstances show that the new
community is no longer holding the power and status. But, de jure recognition is
permanent and cannot be withdrawn.
iii) De facto deals with factual status, whereas de jure deals with the
juridical status.
vi) De facto is generally granted looking to the developments as regards
insurgents capacity and establishment. De jure is given if the granting State, is
fully. satisfied about the International capacity of the insurgent state.
The recognising State grants recognistion de jure, when the recognised state has
fulfilled the requirements for statehood and his the capacity to follow
International obligations ; However, it may grant de facto recognition when
there is only actual fulfillment of these requirements and hence may be
temporary & provisional This does not mean that de facto should be given first &
then de jure. In the estimation of recognising state, the recognised state has the
capacity to follow international obligations either de facto or de jure. This is
the policy of the State.
1. U.K. granted de facto recognition to Soviet Govt. in 1921, but
gave de jure in 1924.
2. U.K. granted de facto recognition to Italian conquest of Abyssinia
in 1936, but gave de jure in 1938.
3. The -Franco Govt. in Spain was given de facto recognition in
1936, but de jure was granted in 1938.
Leading Cases : (1) Luthor V Sagor (Refer Ch. 6.2)
Ethiopia. In 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia .& took it over. The United .Kingdom
recognised de facto this Italian Govt. But, the Emperor Haile Selassie,
Plaintiff, was the de jure sovereign of Ethiopia. Subsequently, de jure
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recognition was given to King of Italy; when the case was pending in the
Court.
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Held, de. jure recognition of King of 'Italy dates back to date of taking
over. Hence, plaintiff claim for recovery of money failed
(3) Arantazazu rnendi's case: during Spanish Civil War (1936-38) insurgents
had occupied a portion of territory 'and it was recognised de facto by U. K.
Here, Arantzazu rnandi was a ship registered in insurgent territory. Held, the
ship was entitled to immunity as U.K. had given de facto recognition.
CHAPTER 7 I
INTERVENTION
Ch. 7-1 Intervention.
It is of two kinds : i) Dictatorial Intervention &
, ii) Intervention pure & simple.
'Intervention is dictatorial it it is done by a State in the affairs of another State
for the purpose of maintaining or altering the actual condition of things. This is
forbidden by International Law.
But intervention pure and simple, like using Good offices. Negotiation,
mediation, ccmolat.ion are not forbidden. In 1826 at the instance of Portugal, U.K
sent British troops to Portugal to suppress the revolution en-gineered by Don
Dugal,
2. When the external affairs of a State are also the affairs of another,
the latter may intervene when the former acts unilaterally. Russia &• ihe
defeated Turkey concluded the peace. U. K. protested as it was
inconsistent with treaty of Paris of 1856 and in the convention of London
1871, Russia agreed to meet & the Congress of Berlin met and resolved.
The U.S. to protect the American citizens and their property in Mexico,
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U.K. wanted that French ships at Oran should not fall a prey to Germans.
France refused to allow U.K. to have Oran fleet. U.K. attacked and sank the fleet,
on grounds of necessity.
CHAPTER 8
Open Sea
Ch. 8-1. Freedom of the Open Sea.
i) History'& development :. -.
A conviction had grown in the beginning of the 15th Century that States
could extend the i r sovereignty over certain parts of the Open Sea. In 1493, the
Pope Alexander VI, divided the New World into two halves one to the Portuguese
& the other to Spaniards. Inspired by this, Spain claimed a major portion : in Pacific
& the Gulf of Mexico and Portugal claimed sovereignty over the whole of the
Indian Ocean. Great Britian had claimed the North Sea, the Narrow Seas,'& the
Atlantic.
These claims were not merely formal. Many ceremonials were in vogue. To
fish in North Sea, the party was to take out Licenses from the U.K. & when in
1636 the Dutch attempted to fish, it was compelled to pay penalty. When
Phillip II of Spain was coming to England to marry Queen Mary, the British
Admiral fired at his ship in 'British Sea' as he did not lower his flag, in honour
of the English Flag !
In 1580, the Spanish Ambassador in England, Mendoza, lodged a complaint
with Queen Elizabeth, against Drake, who had made a successful journey to the
Pacific. Elizabeth declared that vessels of all nations could navigate on the
Pacific Ocean since s the sea and the air were common to all. This was the
germ, out of which grew the freedom of the Open Sea.
In 1609 Grotius wrote his 'Mare Liberum' (12th Chapter of De Jure Belli ac
Pacis) commending the freedom of the Open Sea. John Selden attacked Grotius
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and wrote his 'Mare closum' commending the closed seas concept, but this
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v) Law of the Sea Conference 1958 : (Geneva). Much of the law relating
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to the Sea is codified under the Geneva Convention on the High Seas 1958,
Geneva a convention on Fishing & conservation of the Living Resources on
the High Seas 1960.
Every State has a right to sail ships under its flag (Art. 4). Ships engaged in
piracy or slave trade may be seized by any State etc.
vi) Recent Developments :
a) Moscow Neuclear Treaty 1963 has imposed a ban on neuclear
tests in the territorial waters & on the High- Seas (Art. 1).
the available area of the Sea for free navigation, free fisheries & free over flight
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The net result was, though 3 miles was accepted unive rsally, the disagreement
was with the range between 3 to 12 miles.
c) The Third U.N. Conference on the Law of the Sea, gave a decent burial to
the 3 mile limit. The weight of State practice is in favour of a 12 mile-limit,
but this is to be made with multilateral treaties among States.
iii) Measurement :
Although this has not created much difficulty, the base- line method adopted by
the Court (I.C.J.) 1951, has been widely .accepted.
Anglo Norwegian Fisheries Case : U.K. Vs Norway. The facts .were :
Certain claims were made by the Nowegain Goyt. creating an exclusive fisheries zone
for itself.- It followed the straight, baseline method selecting some 48 points to
measure the breadth of the territorial waters. This was upheld by the Court.
This was accepted by the convention on Territorial Waters & Contiguous Zone,
(1958). (However, where the baseline method is not possible the low waterline
method may be followed).
iv) Jurisdiction •:
The 'Territorial Waters' is an area over which the maritime State has
exclusive sovereign rights. Sometimes jurisdiction is extended. The leading case -
.Lotus Case decided by P.C.I.J in 1927. A French, Steamer, the LOTUS, collided
with a Turkish Vessel on the high seas due to gross negligence of officer of Lotus.
The Turkish vessel sank, and 8 Turkish nationals died. Turkey based its claim on
the ground that the 1 negligence on board Lotus, had its effect on Turkish vessel
& hence, on a portion of Turkish territory. Held, Turkey was entitled to
succeed.
a) The Maritime State has exclusive fishery rights and also it may
reserve its right of cabotage (to navigate betweeb two ports of the Maritime
State itself)
b) The Maritime State has sovereignty over the surface, the subsoil,
and" the superincumbent air space (1958 convention).
*
October 1946. British Vessel passing through the belt, struck the mine on 22nd
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Oct. 46 & was damaged. Subsequently, the British Govt. on, 13th
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subsoil and the sea bed of the 'continental shelf and that the exploitation by that
State was just & reasonable. Other Nations followed suit and made similar
declarations.
ii) Definition: Refer diagram
The Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf 1958, defined Continental
Shelf as the area adjacent to the coast, outside territorial sea, to a depth of 200
metres (or-to beyond that to a depth where exploitation is possible).
The Coastal State according to the convention exercises exclusive rights of
exploring & exploiting the natural resources, including the living organism and the
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non-living mineral resources. The Coastal State has only limited rights and has
no sovereignty over the continental shelf. Further, it has no rights over the waters
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In the North Sea Continental Shelf Cases [Federal Republic of Germany Vs.
Denmark & the Netherlands (1969)], the question of
delimiting North Sea Shelf areas was discussed. The Court held that there
was no general customary International Law, in existence. Regarding the
Division of a Common Continental Shelf, the court held that such a delimitation
must be under a treaty & that the arrangements for division must be based on
'equitable principles.' The court also expressed the view that even a joint
exploitation of the Shelf by the concerned States could be made.
i i Developments:
Since the Geneva 1958 settlement, there were fast developments in the field
of Continental Shelf : ,
a) New Technology had developed to exploit oil & gas in Ocean
depths.
b) New States were financially and technologically at a disadvantage
and became grav ly concerned over the monopoly by some powerful
States.
c) 1967, the .Maltese Govt. initiated a plan to declare that the
sea-bed resources beyond continental shelf 'was a common heritage of
mankind', & must ! e developed in the interests of all States.
The fear was the possible arms-race in the sea- bed beyond the
Continental Shelf area.
Such a declaration was made by the United Nations in 1970. It
also appointed a 84 member committee on the peaceful uses of that sea
bed-area beyond the Continental Shelf.
d) The U.N. during 1973-76 held five sessions on the Law of the sea &
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made 5 conventions.
iv) Developments : The Law of the Sea Treaty, 1982 is very
comprehensive with 303 Articles and is the lengthiest treaty . U S
has not ratified even in 2011.
<
There is much controversy among the Nations, and the United Nations in
its various conferences could not make any headway. On the contrary, the U.S. &
other States, including India have defined in their municipal laws : Territorial
waters upto 12 miles, contiguous zone upto 24 miles, & Continental .Shelf upto
200 miles, from the sea shore.
' 'Motive'- It is not necessary that the pirate should have the intent to
plunder (Animus furandi). It was decided in the leading case, 'In re piracy jure
getium' that actual robbery was not an essential element . Even frustrated
attempt was declared as piratical in nature.
Hence, 'the motive may be other than making profit e.g., Revenge.
ii) If the crew or the passengers revolt on the open sea and convert the vessel
and her goods to their own use,, they are guilty of piracy. If the crew resort to
murdering the master because of his cruelty, it is not piracy but only murder. If
the purpose is to convert the ship and the goods to their own use ,it would be
piracy,
iii) If a person stops a vessel for taking a rich passenger off the vessel
with -a view to get high ransom, or if a person stops a vessel to kill certain
persons on board the ship, the act is piratical.
iv) The crew is guilty of piracy when they force the master through intimidation
or force to steer the vessel to other place than its destination.
In 1931, two Chinese junks pursued & fired at a Chinese Vessel. During the
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chase the attackers were captured by the English ship which brought them to Hong
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Kong & tried for murder. There was no actual robbery. The Privy Council held
that 'actual robbery1 was .not essential for piracy. They were held guilty of
piracy.
The court also referred to The Magellan "Pirates Case where it had been held
that robbery was not essential.
(2) In Ambrose Light Case, the U.S. Supreme Court held that an armed
vessel without State authority was a pirate even though no act of robbery is
committed.
(3) Hauscar's Case :
There was a rebellion in Peru. The insurgents put Huascar, an ironclad
vessel, stopped British steamers, took coal from them without paying for "it and
forcibly took two officials. It was decided that the act was piracy.
(4) Santa Maria Incident (1961) : Political opponents on board a Portuguese
vessel, seized it. It was taken to Brazil. Brazil gave Azylum to them. Vessel later
returned to Portugal. Are they, pirates ? Perhaps, not.
vi) Jurisdiction : National courts have jurisdiction to punish pirates. As piracy
is an International crime any maritime State has,, by customary International Law,
the right to punish. The vessels of any Nation may attack and seize them on the
High Seas and. bring for trial and punishment. The punishment may be capital. The
ship and the cargo may'be returned to the real owner.
Recent developments Since 1990 . the number of pirate attacks has increased . The
International Maritime Bureau (IMB),says in 2003 there were 445 reported attacks against ships .
Somali pirates in December 2011 released an Italian-owned Aframax oil tanker after receiving an
$11.5m payment.
Recently, The Savina Caylyn was seized in February 2011. Pirates have hijacked a Greek-owned
oil tanker carrying 135,000 tonnes of crude oil in the Arabian Sea, : l Britain and other EU
countries are considering air strikes on logistical hubs
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). , is the key international legal
instruments governing sovereign rights at sea and the use of the maritime environment. With few
exceptions, all other littoral states have accepted UNCLOS.
CHAPTER - 9
\
AMBASSADORS
Ch. 9-1. Institution of Legation : Ambassadors.. i) History t
The institution of Legation started first and religious Ambassadors were
sent to start with. Later for political purposes Ambassadors were
The institution of Legation started first and religious Ambassadors were
sent to start with. Later for political purposes Ambassadors were
sent on a temporary basis. Eg.: to conclude peace; Permanent legation
was initiated by Venice. It sent permanent Ambassadors to France,
Switzerland, Germany etc. in the 15th century. It then became an
established institution. All sovereign States are having permanent offices
called diplomatic enclaves. Legation is a sovereign attribute of the State.
Ambassadors position is not based on representation is omni -modae which
means representation with all powers like the Sovereign or Crown. His
authority is limited.
ii) Appointment:
..*
Ambassadors are appointed by one Head of State, to another
Head of State. Before appointment, States consult the receiving
State, as to whether the individual is persona grata or non-grata,
(Person acceptable or not). A letter of exequature is given to
Ambassadors which states his appointment, authority and powers.
iii) Functions:
v ,
b) Observation :
He must come in contact with State Officials, V.I.P.s.,
business magnates etc. He should attend social and other
gatherings. He must work with a 'serpent's ear and eagle's eye'. He
must collect all relevant information relating to the State.
c) Reporting:
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a) Exterritoriality:
Under the legal fiction even though physically an Ambassador
and his diplomatic enclave are inside the receiving State, they are
considered to be legally outside the territory of the receiving State.
Ambassador is beyond the jurisdiction of local authority.
The police have no jurisdiction over the diplomatic enclave.
Similarly civil and criminal courts have no jurisdiction. On.the
contrary, the receiving state is under a duty to protect the person
of the Ambassador and of his retinue.
Further, the building, records, his equipment, should also be
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f) Rights of Subpoena :
This means, he is' privileged and cannot be called to a court as a
witness. Summonses should not be issued to him.. , ,
g) Right of Chapel [religious practices] within the enclave. :
h) Right of Waiver
Ambassador may waive his 'right and submit to the jurisdiction
of the Court in cases he thinks fit.
i) Right of self jurisdiction :
He has jurisdiction over all the persons" inside the enclave, within
certain limits.
iv) Classes of Ambassadors :
The classification was made at the .Congress of Vienna in 1815, in
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which the order of merit was placed as the criterion for classification.
Special honours are due to each class.
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e) Ambassadors.
f) Plenipotentiaries.
g) Ministers Resident.
h) Charge de affaires.
The Ambassador is entitled to be addressed as 'Your
Excellency'. The Plenipotentiary may, by courtesy, be called 'Your
Excellency'. Minister resident are not addressed like that.
Charge de affairs are sent by one foreign office to another foreign
office. He is never addressed as your Excellency.
v) Privileges and Immunities of Ambassadors :Privileges and
immunities are special rights of Ambassadors built on reciprocal basis
through International custom and treaties. T he very fact that
Ambassadors are saddled with multifarious functions and responsibilites
shows that in effect, they must have certain privileges and
immunities, for the due discharge of their functions & responsibilities.
The objective, is to provide an independent & free atmosphere to
discharge their functions effectively, with dignity & honour.
Codfication : The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
1961 has codified the customary law relating to* Ambassadors and
of their
privileges & immunities.
a) Exterritoriality:
Under the legal fiction even though physically an Ambassador
and his diplomatic enclave are inside the receiving State, they are
considered to be legally outside the territory of the receiving State.
Ambassador is beyond the jurisdiction of local authority. The police
have no jurisdiction over the diplomatic enclave. Similarly civil and
criminal courts have no jurisdiction. On.the contrary, the receiving
state is under a duty to protect the person of the Ambassador and of
his retinue. Further, the building, records, his equipment, should also
be protected against any possible strike and invasion, civil
disturbance etc. Further, the local administrative authorities have no
jurisdiction over the enclave. Postal bags are to be protected.
They are not to be tampered.
& that they should not be arrested, or tried or punished at all. Thereupon,
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f) Rights of Subpoena :
This means, he is' privileged and cannot be called to a court as a
witness. Summonses should not be issued to him.. , ,
g) Right of Chapel [religious practices] within the enclave. :
h) Right of Waiver
Ambassador may waive his 'right and submit to the jurisdiction
of the Court in cases he thinks fit.
i) Right of self jurisdiction :
He has jurisdiction over all the persons" inside the enclave, within
certain limits.
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CHAPTER 10
iv) Ratification :
It is the approval by the Head of State or the Govt. of the signature
43
principles of the treaty, then the other States may consider the
reserving State as a party to the treaty.
In the Vienna convention, the test of compatibility was
adopted.
c) Consequences :
The complications caused by the reservations can be avoided.
a) by making a provision in the treaty that no reservations
are
allowed arid
b) by providing for reservation of some clauses stated in the
treaty
itself.
ii) Origin :
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The
Roman Jurists applied it in their jus civile, for contracts. It was
Gentili who introduced it into International Law,
v) Case La\v;
There is not a single instance wherein the Clausula has been
applied. In the Serbians and Brazilian's claims case, the
International Court ol Justice heard on the doctrine, but did n ot
apply it.
C HAPTER 11
EQUALITY OF STATES
Ch. 1 1 . Equality of States.
a) Concept :
The origin of the doctrine of equality of States may be
traced to Jus 'Naturale (Natural Law). According to it ; 'A dwarf
is as much a man, as a giant is.' This concept is extended to the
relationship "between str^'-s, by the Naturalists who hold that all
States are equal in the eye of law. In fact, equality is the quality
that is derived from State's International Personality.
According to this doctrine, all States are equal in law,
irrespective of the size, population, economic or military power,
degree ot civilisation wealth, social patterns & other qualities.
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b) Consequences :
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CHAPTER 12
, ' EXTRADITION
Ch. 12 i) Definition & Scope :
Extradition is a process by which an accused is reconducted
back to the place Where he is alleged to have committed an
offence. The person should be tried only for the offence for
which he has been
extradited.
48
not go unpunished.
i i ) Conditions :
a) Double criminality test : The act must be an offence in
both the sending and the receiving States. (Jacob Factor's Case and
Eislers Case).
b) Principle of Specialty : The requesting State is under a
duty not
to punish the fugitive for any offence -other than for which he
was
extradited.
c) Extraditable crime : The act must be one which is
extraditable
according to the treaty of extradition between the parties, e.g.:
Murder,
cheating etc.
Exception : i) Political crimes, ii) Military crimes e.g. desertipn.
iii) Religious offences are non-extraditable.
d) The persons must be extraditable. States refuse to
surrender its
nationals who have taken refuge in their own Countries.
was held that they were political refugees & hence not to be
extradited to Poland.
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CHAPTER 13
SCHOOLS
Ch. 13 Schools of International Law.
It is said "Grotians stand midway between Positivists &
Naturalists
Naturalists:
Grotians :
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and , Naturalists.
Grotius started with the Law of Nature and selected such rules
which were eternal and unchangeable having their origin in the
Natural Law. Certain principles of conduct accepted by the States
in the form of treaties & customs were voluntary Law of Nations.
His'-'method of secularisation with his brilliant expositions mainly
bused on jus naturale and coordinating that with voluntary law of
Nations, placed him at the highest pedestal as the Father of the
Law of Nations. His followers Zouche "and Vattel commended the
writings of Grotius: besides contributing heavily to the Law of
Nations.
CHAPTER 14
NATIONALITY .
Ch. 14.1 Nationality. i) Definition :
'Nationality is the principal link between the Individual and
the benefits of International Law' (Oppenheim). In practical terms it
is a continuing legal relationship between the Sovereign State and its
citizens. The basis of his Nationality is his allegiance and
membership of the Sovereign State. It gives him the political status
as a 'National' of his State. It is the Municipal Law of each Stat e
that determines who are its .Nationals. Hence Nationality Law is
made by the States themselves. This .is not the concern of
International Law.
ii) Importance:
a) The right to diplomatic protection abroad is an essential
attribute
of Nationality of the individual. Every State has a right to
protect its
Nationals 85 property abroad. (Calvin's Case)
b) Enemy status is determined during war, on the basis of
Nationality.
c) A State may refuse to extradite its own Nationals.
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iii) Acquisition :
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CHAPTER 15
HUMAN RIGHTS
The European Court held that there was unreasonable r delay & hence,
there was violation of the European Convention;
4. Golder Case-: (United Kingdom) :- In this case, the prison
authorities refused permission to the prisoner Golder to consult his solicitor.
The European Court held that this was violative of = the European
Convention.
e).- Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights arid Covenant on.
Civil SB Political rights 1966. Both were adopted by the General'
Assembly. The annual report of the progress made under these two
Covenants is reviewed by the ECOSOC of the United Nations.
f) There are a score of other covenants made in recent years some of
them are regional and others global.
Inter-American Convention on Human Rights 1969 and the
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CHAPTER 16
TERRITORY
territory and
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CHAPTER 17
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
iii) Hijacking Acts : Many States have made Hijacking Acts and prescribed
severe punishments. The jurisdiction is 'Universality' and hence any State may
catch him. The States may not allow extradition of Hijackers guilty of 'political
offences'.
Incidents :
1) The most daring Hijacking was done at -Dawson Field in 1970
at Jordon, with 400 passengers & crew. The Hijackers succeeded •in
getting the Palestinian arab guerrillas held at London released.
2) Entebbe raid is another example.
In recent years many incidents have been reported. However, the two
conventions are adequate to meet such situations with the active cooperation of the
Member-States.
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with the assistance of Russia, Prussia & Austria (Trip!e alliance). President Monroe
of the United States saw the American interests being deeply affected, declared in
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THE END
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