Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Abdollah Abedini

Assistant Professor, International Law, The Institution for Research and Development in the Humanities (SAMT)

Abstract

Introduction

As outlined in the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principles of law are directly invoked as a main source of international law for addressing legal disputes. These principles also hold significant standing within the domestic legal systems of individual states. However, in the international law, the principles of law typically serve to address potential gaps, ensuring that legal proceedings can continue uninterrupted before the courts. There is currently a broad consensus that the general principles of law, as delineated in Article (38) of the Statute of the ICJ, include the principles of both national and international legal systems. Yet, the general principles of national law are mainly recognized by the judicial authority in domestic contexts and applied as a distinct principle in the international law. For some legal scholars, the inclusion of Paragraph (3) of Article (38) of the Statute of the ICJ, which allows for the invocation of the general principles of law, is a significant milestone in the international law as it makes the states acknowledge a third source alongside treaties and custom. Some argue that the text-based interpretative approach, as employed by the arbitration and judicial courts, had gained recognition as a general principle of law prior to being formally acknowledged in the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Others contend that the general principles of law are characterized by a general, universal nature. In other words, these principles work more openly in dealing with value-based arguments and as such establish rights in a manner particularly evident in the regimes of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
The present study aimed to examine the approach adopted by the International Law Commission (hereafter referred to as the Commission) towards the topic of general principles of law, as well as Iran’s stance in response to the Commission’s approach. Specifically, the Commission has demonstrated a keen interest in studying the sources of international law over the past two decades. Meanwhile, the approach presented in the last three reports by the Special Rapporteur has sparked considerable debate and controversy among proponents and critics alike, primarily concerning the identification of general principles of law derived from the international legal system. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee has also voiced opinions regarding those reports.

Literature Review

The discussion on the general principles of law has been relatively rare in the Persian-language studies. The topic typically finds its place in the general books on international law, especially in the sections dedicated to sources of international law. Yet, there are a few Persian-language studies that specifically address the issue. For example, in the article titled “The Nature of the General Principles of Law and Their Functions in International Law,” Mahmoudi (2018) studied the scope and function of general principles of law as well as their roles during the implementation. However, Mahmoudi’s research predates the Commission’s study, so it could not deal with the reports of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission. Moreover, the present study explored the Iranian perspective on the general principles of law, as evidenced in the statements made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee.

Materials and Methods

First, the present study used a descriptive approach to examine the three reports issued by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission. It then analyzed Iran’s perspectives on the reports, concluding with an analysis of Iran’s stances.

Results and Discussion

The present study aimed to examine the Commission’s methodology in studying the general principles of law, followed by an investigation into Iran’s stance concerning the Commission’s conclusions. According to the findings, Iran’s approach to the Commission’s reports on the general principles of law appears to be acceptable in some aspects while warranting further consideration. The positive aspects of Iran’s approach include highlighting the premature presentation of draft materials by the Rapporteur in the initial report, considering a non-hierarchical approach among sources, and advocating for a comprehensive methodology in extracting general principles of law from all legal systems. Conversely, there are aspects that merit reflection, such as solely relying on Article (38) of the Statute of the ICJ for reviewing general principles of law, acknowledging the role of international judges in crafting rules when confronted with legal gaps or ambiguities, recognizing the framework of customary rules as a means to establish general principles of law, basing subordinate rules outlined in Article (38) of the Statute (including the judicial precedent and doctrine) on the general precedent and legal beliefs of states. Regarding the most challenging aspect in the work of the Special Rapporteur on the general principles of law, it must be acknowledged that a review of the third part of Paragraph (1) of Article (38) of the Statute of the ICJ indicates that extracting general principles of law from the international legal system cannot be inferred from Article (38) of the Statute. Therefore, the Special Rapporteur should seek justification beyond mere reference to Article (38) of the Statute.  

Conclusion

The general principles of law hold significant importance within the international legal system. This significance is underscored by the former president of the ICJ, who emphasized that the relevance of general principles will continue to grow, particularly as courts encounter new challenges where existing legal regulations may not suffice, or where there is a need to consider fundamental values recognized by the international community as binding legal regulations or principles applicable to specific conditions occurring in inter-state relations. The present study could offer a sound analysis of Iran’s perspective in light of developments in international law pertaining to general principles. Critically examining and scrutinizing these viewpoints can direct the attention of the Iranian international law community towards the importance of acknowledging Iran’s approach to international law. This, in turn, could facilitate the indirect involvement of Iranian jurists, enhancing the legal stance of Iran’s representatives in the Sixth Committee and other avenues for demonstrating Iran’s approach to formulating international law. Iran’s participation in the Sixth Committee, particularly in reviewing and providing feedback on the Commission’s studies, is inherently a positive move, fostering Iran’s engagement in formulating international legal regulations.

Keywords

• Precedent
• Recognition
• International Court of Justice
• General Principles of International Law
• Customary Rules

Main Subjects

• International Law