The International Court of Justice settles disputes between States and gives advisory opinions
Background
Standing background on the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The Court is composed of 15 judges elected for terms of office of nine years by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Its seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. It settles, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States. It also gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. It is distinct from the International Criminal Court, which tries crimes.
Judges:
15
Term of office:
nine years
Seat:
Peace Palace, The Hague
Why it matters for exams: The ICJ versus ICC distinction is a favourite question in world-affairs papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Advisory opinion Non-binding legal view — An opinion on a legal question referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.