Þjóðaréttarlegum

Þjóðaréttarlegum is an Icelandic term that translates to "international legal" or "public international law" in English. It refers to the body of rules, principles, and standards that govern the relationships between sovereign states and other international actors, such as international organizations. This field of law is distinct from domestic law, which applies within a single country's borders.

The sources of þjóðaréttarlegum are varied and include international treaties, customary international law, general principles of law recognized by civilized nations, and judicial decisions and teachings of highly qualified publicists as subsidiary means for the determination of rules of law. These principles are applied in various contexts, including diplomacy, war, trade, and human rights.

Key areas within þjóðaréttarlegum include the law of the sea, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, international criminal law, and international economic law. International courts and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, play a significant role in interpreting and applying these laws.

The development and enforcement of þjóðaréttarlegum are complex, often relying on the consent and cooperation of states. While there is no single global legislature or enforcement body, international organizations and diplomatic negotiations are crucial mechanisms for its creation and implementation.