International Law and National Law

Forum 1: International Law and Domestic Courts

The role of national courts as interpreters and enforcers of international law has been debated for ages. If they are permitted to apply international law as a matter of domestic (constitutional) law, the question arises whether they are sufficiently equipped to apply and develop it adequately. What are the criteria for such adequacy? Who decides whether they get it right? This forum is meant to address general conceptual issues concerning the role of domestic courts as ‘agents’ of international law creation, application and modification.