Document Type : Article
Authors
1 Prof., Departement of Public Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Prof., Department of International Law, School of International Relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tehran, Iran
3 Ph.D. Candidate in International Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
It is a fact that international law does not contain any general prescriptions regarding interpretation. While some interpretative principles and rules have become reference points, international law does not require a unified interpretation process for all sources of international law, and rules of interpretation may vary based on the source of law. This article sheds light on these applicable rules that can be used when interpreting customary rules, arguing that the interpretation process is an entirely separate operation from identification and both play their particular role in the life cycle of customary rules. However, due to its fluidity and unwritten nature, applying interpretative approaches and elements to customary rules requires its formulation compared to treaty law. This article argues that contextual interpretation is the appropriate approach to interpreting CIL. Contextualism is not only an overarching principle in identifying CIL but also a proper method for interpreting it. Subsequent practice and other relevant rules of international law are also pertinent elements that could be applied in interpreting customary rules.
Keywords
- identification of customary international law
- interpretation of customary international law
- interpretation of international treaty
Main Subjects
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