The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began its work in April 1946. The ICJ is situated in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
The court consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council. These judges are chosen from among persons of high moral character, who possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or are jurisconsults of recognized competence in international law.
The idea of an international court to settle disputes between nations can be traced back to the early 20th century. The predecessor to the ICJ was the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), which was established in 1920 under the League of Nations. After World War II, the PCIJ was replaced by the ICJ, which inherited its jurisdiction over any remaining contentious cases.
The ICJ plays a crucial role in the peaceful settlement of international disputes, contributing to the development of international law, and ensuring adherence to international treaties. Its decisions are binding on the parties to a case, and there is no appeal against them, although the court may revise its judgments if new facts are discovered.