GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This assignment requires you to complete a short case brief on an International Court of

Justice (ICJ) decision.

Case Brief

Format:

Please make it as long as possible

Include

headings

Citation:

McGill Guide (9 th ) Edition.

You must make a writing on the ICJ's Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Thrat or Use of

Nuclear Weapons ( https://www.icj-cij.org/en/case/95/advisory-opinions ).

The writing must provide a critical assessment of the decision in question and its context.

Additional research is encouraged.

Each page must have the following elements and will be marked as follows:

Background (7.5%)

o What are the facts of the case?

o How did the matter reach the ICJ?

o What is the relevant political context?

o What are the issues at play?

Legal-Arguments and Counter-Arguments (5%)

o What legal positions did the parties take?

Legal Assessment (10%)

o How did the ICJ decide each of the issues raised?

o What legal principles did it rely upon?

o What positions were taken by the dissenting judges?

Discussion (7.5%)

o How didvthe international community react to the decision?

o Did the decision have any impact on international relations going forward?

o How did the decision shape international law (if at all)?

o Identify one key take away from your analysis of this

What does this case tell us about international law?