Alþjóðadómstóllinn

Alþjóðadómstóllinn, also known as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945, it began work in 1946 and is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The Court's purpose is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

The Court is composed of fifteen judges, who are elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations for staggered nine-year terms. Judges are chosen on the basis of their qualifications and impartiality, and care is taken to ensure representation of the world's principal legal systems. No two judges may be nationals of the same state.

The ICJ has a dual role. Firstly, it settles disputes between states. Only states can be parties to cases before the Court. Secondly, it gives advisory opinions on legal questions. The United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council, and other authorized organs and specialized agencies can request advisory opinions. The Court's judgments in contentious cases are binding on the parties involved. Advisory opinions are not binding but are highly respected and influential. The Court's work contributes to the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the development of international law.