The Concept of Treaty in International Law

Front Cover
Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 3. apr 1996 - 307 pages
Whether or not a certain norm is legally binding upon international actors may often depend on whether or not the instrument which contains the norm is to be regarded as a treaty. In this study, the author argues that instruments which contain commitments are, "ex" "hypothesi," treaties. In doing so, he challenges popular notions proclaiming the existence of morally and politically binding agreements and so-called soft law'. Such notions, Klabbers argues, are internally inconsistent and founded upon untenable presumptions. Moreover, they find little support in the pertinent decisions of municipal and international courts and tribunals. The book addresses issues of importance not only for academics working in international law, constitutional law and political science, but also for practitioners involved in the making, implementation and enforcement of international agreements.

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Contents

INTRODUCTION
1
Treatylike instruments an Overview
15
The 1969 Vienna Conventions Definition
37
On Intent
65
Several Varying Theses
97
29
103
The ties that bind
116
On the Coexistence of Normative Orders
121
79
143
The Soft Law Thesis
157
The World Court
165
The Free Zones case
177
Other Courts and Tribunals
219
CONCLUDING REMARKS
245
A Questionnaire among Dutch Agencies
261
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
279

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