Analyzing the United States Practice before the International Court of Justice

In contemporary international legal system, the relationship between international and domestic law has still appeared to be a controversial issue and it seems to be even more challenging for federal governments e.g. the US. Paradoxically, the US Constitution recognizes international law as the higher law whereas federal and state authorities do not constantly comply with this prioritization. The US, seemingly a hegemon, in several cases has proved not to obey some international judicial decisions particularly the ICJ’s unless they are in harmony with its national interests. While analyzing tripartite branches of the US government, the legislature and executive apply double standards when dealing with the US international obligations, but state courts and even the Supreme Court, have repeatedly ignored the ICJ decisions and hence the US international commitments and initiated the so-called “New-Federalism”.