JURISDICTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) AND ITS OBLIGATIONS

Abstract

The issue of jurisdiction is fundamental to the exercise of court’s judicial powers. When a court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain a matter, any judgment given by the court becomes a nullity. Therefore, where jurisdiction is lacking, a judicial body cannot exercise its judicial power over a case. This article takes issue with that assessment of the performances of the ICJ in achieving International peace and security which is the issue of the moment globally. In the quest to for less destructive ways to resolve disputes / conflicts between States, one of the more lasting and realistic solutions ever proffered is the expansion of the adjudicatory jurisdiction of the International court of Justice and strict compliance by the actors.