The Role of the ICJ in the Development of International Law

In its normal practice the ICJ settles International disputes exclusively in accordance with International law and where there is an absence of law, it abstains to make new laws as to substantiate its decision. Beyond its primary function as to settle disputes between states however, the Court is actively involved in the development of international law through its production of precedent. Development involves change and creativity which may not be obtained solely by applying positive law. The Court being conscious of its limits imposed both by its statute and general expectation of states, has somewhat diverted from rigid positive approach and has made attempt to fulfill its primary function without jeopardizing legal limits. It contributes in development of international law inter alia by teleological interpretation of existing rules. On the other hand, even though the characterization of precedent or stare decisis may not apply to the decisions of the ICJ, the Court constantly refers to its precedent and thereby has promoted the importance of its judgments from an auxiliary to a real source of international law.