The International Court of Justice

This page covers the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN system's highest judicial body. The ICJ arbitrates between states, who must agree to abide by the Court's decision before their case will be heard. Here, particular emphasis is given to the relationship between the ICJ and the Security Council. Many have suggested that the ICJ should have the power of judicial review over the Security Council's actions to ensure that they are consistent with the UN Charter and other instruments of international law.