Public International Law is composed of the laws, rules, and principles of general application that deal with the conduct of nation states and international organisations among themselves as well as the relationships between nation states and international organisations with persons, whether natural or juridical. Public International Law is sometimes called the "law of nations" or just simply International Law. It should not be confused with Private International Law, which is primarily concerned with the resolution of conflict of national laws, determining the law of which country is applicable to specific situations.
Researching International Public Law
Different databases and websites provide access to sources of international law mentioned above, and commentary and scholarship about international law.
Use the tabs on this guide for links to key reference materials, books and journal articles that discuss international law, as well as databases and websites for key sources of international law.
| TIP: Legal dictionaries and encyclopaedias - If you are new to this area of law, or embarking on a new research project, these reference materials are good places to start. These resources identify key primary and secondary sources on a range of international law topics, and provide definitions to legal terms. |
Related Resources
Videos and Workshops
External Library Guides
International Legal Research (Duke University)
Public International Law Guide by Vicenç Feliú - from Globalex
Columbia University Guide to Researching International Law (updates in process)