Definition

Noun: - International law: The body of legal rules, norms, and standards that apply between sovereign states and other entities having international legal personality. It governs the conduct of nations in their relations with one another and with international organizations, individuals, and other subjects of international law.

Usage

• This term is a formal and traditional synonym for "international law." It is used in academic, diplomatic, and legal contexts to describe the system of agreements, treaties, customs, and principles that bind countries.
• It is often used to discuss the legal framework for state sovereignty, diplomatic relations, human rights, and the laws of war.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To be a subject of the law of nations": To be an entity (like a state or an international organization) that has rights and duties under international law.
  • Sovereign states are the primary subjects of the law of nations.
• "A principle of the law of nations": A fundamental rule accepted as part of international law.
  • The principle of non-intervention is a well-established tenet of the law of nations.

Variants and Related Words

• International law (n): The modern, more commonly used term synonymous with "law of nations."
• Public international law (n): A precise term often used interchangeably with "law of nations," distinguishing it from private international law (conflict of laws).
• Jus gentium (n): The Latin term from which "law of nations" is derived, historically referring to law common to all peoples.

Synonyms

• International law
• Public international law
• Jus gentium (historical/formal)

Related Phrases

• Sources of international law: Refers to the origins of legal rules in the law of nations, such as treaties, international custom, and general principles of law.
• Breach of international law: A violation of the law of nations.
• Comity of nations: The informal recognition and respect given by one nation to the laws and institutions of another, related to but not strictly part of binding international law.

Noun

1. the body of laws governing relations between nations