ABSTRACT

The sixth edition of Public International Law continues the book’s accessible, student-friendly tradition with a writing style that is both conversational and easy to read.

Uniquely both a textbook and a casebook, the facts of each case and the details of decisions are succinctly set out, followed by detailed commentary and, where appropriate, a brief explanation of subsequent events. Fully up to date with all recent developments, the sixth edition covers the major areas of public international law and examines the leading cases of the International Court of Justice and other international courts and tribunals, whilst paying attention to judgments of national courts, including the UK Supreme Court, the US Supreme Court, and courts of many other countries when they make challenging or novel contributions to international law.

Features designed to support learning include highlighted key cases, introductory chapter overviews and concise outlines, and recommended further reading. New to this edition are study boxes which apply public international law to recent events and examine controversial legal issues in a constructive way, including the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and the judicial battle of Julian Assange. Diagrammatic aides-mémoires at the end of each chapter have also been updated to further summarise topics covered in that chapter.

This book is an ideal learning tool for students of law or political science, practitioners, and legal advisors and provides a clear and straightforward overview for anyone with an interest in international law.

chapter 1|22 pages

History and nature of international law

chapter 2|53 pages

Sources of international law

chapter 3|48 pages

The law of treaties

chapter 4|37 pages

International law and municipal law

chapter 5|41 pages

International personality

chapter 7|40 pages

Territorial sovereignty

chapter 8|66 pages

The law of the sea

chapter 9|43 pages

Jurisdiction

chapter 10|72 pages

Immunity from national jurisdiction

chapter 11|63 pages

State responsibility for wrongful acts

chapter 13|41 pages

Self-determination of peoples

chapter 15|45 pages

The use of force

chapter 16|35 pages

Collective security

chapter 17|57 pages

International humanitarian law