International Law and Human Rights
International law
International law covers sources (treaties, custom, general principles), subjects (states, international organizations, individuals), and the relationship between international and domestic law. Know treaty law (conclusion, reservations, interpretation, termination), state responsibility, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Human rights
Human rights law covers universal and regional systems, the core instruments, and enforcement mechanisms. Know the distinction between treaty bodies and charter-based mechanisms, and the role of regional courts.
Traps
- Assuming all treaties are self-executing in domestic law; incorporation varies.
- Confusing reservations with interpretative declarations.
- Mixing state responsibility with individual criminal responsibility.
- Assuming ratification automatically overrides the constitution.
Rule of thumb
For treaty questions, check: was it ratified, does a reservation apply, and is the provision self-executing?
Worked example
A state ratifies a treaty with a reservation excluding a provision. The reservation limits the state's obligations unless it is incompatible with the treaty's object and purpose.