As international law has become more present in global policy-making, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has come to occupy an essential and increasingly visible role in international relations. This collection explores substantive developments within the ICJ and offers critical perspectives on its historical and contemporary role. It also examines the growing role of the ICJ in the settlement of international disputes and assesses the impact of the ICJ's jurisprudence on the major areas of international law, from the territorial delimitation to human rights. With contributions from a diverse range of scholars and practitioners, the collection's contents combine a legal perspective with institutional and sociological insights on the functions of the ICJ. By considering the ICJ's character, jurisdiction and effectiveness, this collection offers a varied and holistic account of the International Court of Justice, an institution whose significance and influence only increase by the day.

‘This is an invaluable guide for both scholars and practitioners alike. It goes beyond a comprehensive examination of the Court’s procedures by offering a remarkable analysis of the Court’s role in a broader context and its contribution to the development of international law.’

Yuji Iwasawa - Judge, International Court of Justice

‘Carlos Espósito and Kate Parlett have edited an extremely valuable book. It is an indispensable guide to the role and functions of the International Court of Justice, with rich analysis and fascinating insights about its jurisprudence, written by an outstanding group of international law scholars and practitioners. Highly recommended.’

Santiago Torres Bernárdez - Former Registrar and Judge ad hoc, International Court of Justice

‘With contributions from leading academics and practitioners in the field, this is an extremely useful tool to understand the role of the ICJ, its contribution to international dispute settlement and the impact of its jurisprudence.’

Patrícia Galvão Teles - Autonomous University of Lisbon

‘This is an invaluable guide for both scholars and practitioners alike. It goes beyond a comprehensive examination of the Court’s procedures by offering a remarkable analysis of the Court’s role in a broader context and its contribution to the development of international law.’

Yuji Iwasawa - Judge, International Court of Justice

‘In twenty-two focused chapters, this collection offers insights into the ICJ’s practice of dispute settlement and its contribution to the development of international law. Readers new to the subject will find authoritative guidance, accessibly presented. Those acquainted with the Court may find some of their assumptions challenged. This is an important addition to the literature on the World Court.’

Christian J. Tams - University of Glasgow

‘Carlos Espósito and Kate Parlett have edited an extremely valuable book. It is an indispensable guide to the role and functions of the International Court of Justice, with rich analysis and fascinating insights about its jurisprudence, written by an outstanding group of international law scholars and practitioners. Highly recommended.’

Santiago Torres Bernárdez - Former Registrar and Judge ad hoc, International Court of Justice

‘An animated and accessible introduction to the world’s arguably most significant and certainly oldest international court.’

Juliette McIntyre Source: The Australian Yearbook of International Law

‘The International Court of Justice (ICJ) … is much more than a dispute settlement body, and this Cambridge Companion, edited by Carlos Espósito and Kate Parlett, demonstrates this masterfully. … With this wider understanding of what effectiveness means within the international legal system and the role of the Court, the Companion provides a useful resource in the never-ending discussion among legal practitioners and academics on the effectiveness of the Court and its wider contribution to the development of international law.’

Eran Sthoeger Source: European Journal of International Law