Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mahmoud Hajjar ¹
• Seyed ghasem zamani ²

¹ Ph. D. Student, Public International Law, Allameh tabataba'i university, Tehran, Iran

² Professor, Public International Law, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction

Article 38(1)(c) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice refers to “the general principles of law recognized by civilized nations” as one of the sources of international law. A widely held view is that these general principles serve as a complementary source of international law, filling gaps in treaty and customary law to ensure that there is no absence of applicable legal rules. However, some legal scholars argue that even when no legal gap exists, general principles of law play an important role in the interpretation and application of existing rules. Therefore, while treaties and customary international law are considered the primary sources of international law, the general principles of law function as independent sources. They aid in interpreting and complementing other sources where necessary. Accordingly, the general principles play a prominent role in the interpretation of treaties. Moreover, treaties are considered one of the most important sources for regulating relations in international law and hold a special place in international law due to their stability, clarity, and accuracy in establishing obligations. However, in most cases, the implementation of treaties is not possible without interpretation. Treaty interpretation is therefore a necessary and rational process aimed at understanding the treaty’s provisions, clarifying its concept, and determining its scope. In other words, the interpretation of a treaty serves to eliminate ambiguity and uncover its precise content. The interpretation of treaties holds particular significance within the realm of treaty law. In the interpretative process, beyond the text and context of the treaty itself, relevant rules of international law—including the general principles of law—can play a crucial role. A treaty is a product of the international legal system, and its interpretation and application must be carried out within the framework of that system. The present study aimed to address the following research question: What is the role of general principles of law in treaty interpretation?

Literature Review

The general principles of law can be regarded both as a source of international law and as a tool for interpreting treaties. While there is extensive research on their role as a source of international law, their function as a tool for interpreting treaties has received far less attention. As a result, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the specific focus of the present study. In this respect, this research aimed to address that gap by drawing on all relevant sources—including international jurisprudence and the work of the International Law Commission—to examine the role of general principles of law in treaty interpretation.

Materials and Methods

Using a descriptive–analytical method, the current study relied on library sources, international documents, international judicial decisions, and arbitration awards to examine the role of general principles of law in treaty interpretation.

Results and Discussion

The general rule of interpretation, set out in Article 31 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, consists of several elements that must be considered by the interpreter in the process of interpretation. In principle, a treaty is interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of its terms. In this regard, Article 31(1) of the Vienna Convention states: “A treaty shall be interpreted in good faith in accordance with the ordinary meaning to be given to the terms of the treaty in their context and in the light of its object and purpose” (Vienna Convention, 1969) However, in some cases, the text and context of a treaty may not be sufficient to interpret its terms. In such situations, the interpreter must refer to other rules outside the treaty itself to carry out the interpretation appropriately. According to Article 31(3)(c) of the Convention, in addition to the context, “any relevant rules of international law applicable in the relations between the parties” (Vienna Convention, 1969) must also be taken into account in treaty interpretation.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the application of general principles of law as a means of interpreting treaties is grounded in Article 31(3)(c) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. This view is supported by the majority of legal scholars, the International Law Commission, and international jurisprudence. International jurisprudence provides numerous examples of the use of general principles of law in treaty interpretation, many of which were analyzed in this research. Moreover, the use of general principles of law in treaty interpretation appears to contribute to reducing the potential fragmentation of international law, while promoting coherence and interaction among its various sources.

Keywords

• General Principles of Law
• Treaty Interpretation
• Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
• Systemic Integration
• International Jurisprudence

Main Subjects

• International Law