48.               Universal Jurisdiction – A principle of international law that allows a state to prosecute individuals for serious crimes, such as war crimes, regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the perpetrator. 

49.               Veto Power – The right of a permanent member of the UN Security Council to prevent the adoption of a resolution, regardless of majority support. 

50.               World Trade Organization (WTO) – An international organization that regulates global trade and ensures that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. 

Case Studies 

Here are 20 important case studies in international law, each illustrating key principles, precedents, and challenges in global legal practice: 

1.   The North Sea Continental Shelf Cases (1969)– The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of the continental shelf boundaries between Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, establishing principles for maritime boundary delimitations. 

2.   The Corfu Channel Case (1949)– The ICJ held Albania responsible for the damages caused to British warships in its territorial waters, marking a significant case in the area of state responsibility and territorial waters. 

3.   The Nicaragua v. United States Case (1986)– The ICJ ruled that the U.S. had violated international law by supporting contra rebels in Nicaragua and mining Nicaragua's harbors, emphasizing non-intervention and state sovereignty. 

4.   The Barcelona Traction Case (1970)– The ICJ dealt with issues of state responsibility, diplomatic protection, and the rights of shareholders, clarifying the concept of "internationally wrongful acts" and the rights of foreign investors. 

5.   The Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Use of Nuclear Weapons (1996)– The ICJ issued a non-binding opinion on the legality of the use of nuclear weapons in armed conflict, highlighting international humanitarian law and the principles of proportionality and necessity. 

6.   The Kosovo Declaration of Independence (2010)– The International Court of Justice (ICJ) provided an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia, focusing on self-determination and state sovereignty. 

7.   The Case Concerning the Territorial Dispute between Libya and Chad (1994)– The ICJ settled a dispute over the boundary between Libya and Chad, highlighting the importance of adherence to international agreements and the peaceful resolution of territorial conflicts.