Unit III · Topic 1International law – Definition, nature and basis – Previous Year Questions

77 previous year questions on International law – Definition, nature and basis from UGC NET Law papers (2009–2026), including 9 assertion–reason, 7 match-the-list, 19 statement-based questions. The correct option is marked in green.

Questions

77 questions

June 2009Statements

2. Which one of the following statements is correct:

  1. (a)The U.N. Charter makes for compulsory membership.
  2. (b)The U.N. Charter grants to all States a right to membership.
  3. (c)The U.N. Membership is conditional and limited.
  4. (d)The U.N. Charter does not make any distinction between the original and subsequent members.✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The U.N. Charter, adopted in 1945, does not distinguish between original members and those admitted later. All members, whether original or subsequent, possess equal rights and obligations under the Charter.

June 2009

5. The Monistic Theory is associated by:

  1. (a)Oppenheim
  2. (b)Brownlie
  3. (c)Kelsen✓
  4. (d)Brierly
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The Monistic Theory, which proposes that international and municipal laws form a unified legal order, is most famously associated with Hans Kelsen.

December 2009

3. Who said 'International Law is the vanishing point of jurisprudence'?

  1. (a)Austin
  2. (b)Holland✓
  3. (c)Kelsen
  4. (d)Bentham
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Holland criticized international law’s enforceability, calling it the "vanishing point of jurisprudence," suggesting it lacks the enforcement characteristic central to municipal law.

June 2010Match the lists

6. Match the statement in List-I with its author in List-II:

Codes:

  1. (a)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4✓
  2. (b)A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
  3. (c)A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
  4. (d)A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

June 2010

A by John Austin, who denied international law as true law.

B by William Blackstone, integrating customary international law into common law.

C by Michael Akehurst, who challenged the necessity of opinio juris as a precondition.

D by Hersch Lauterpacht, recognizing binding potential in certain General Assembly resolutions.

1. Human Rights Commission was discarded in 2006 and its successor is:

  1. (a)Human Rights Committee
  2. (b)Human Rights Council✓
  3. (c)International Committee of Red Cross
  4. (d)Amnesty International
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: In 2006, the Human Rights Commission was replaced by the Human Rights Council as the UN’s primary human rights body.

June 2011Assertion–Reason

3. Assertion (A): International law is generally not enforceable.

Reason (R): International law is generally observed by States in practice.

Options:

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)✓
  3. (c)(A) is true, but (R) is false
  4. (d)(A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation:

International law lacks a centralized enforcement system like national courts or police, making it generally unenforceable in a strict sense. However, most states comply with it voluntarily due to diplomatic relations, reciprocity, and maintaining their international standing. While both statements are true, the reason does not directly explain the assertion's lack of enforceability.

June 2011

5. According to proponents of dualism, both international law and municipal law differ in terms of:

Options:

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3 are correct
  2. (b)2, 3 and 4 are correct
  3. (c)1 and 2 are correct✓
  4. (d)2 and 4 are correct

Where:

Terms of their subjects

Terms of their basis

Terms of binding nature

Terms of their existence

Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Dualists argue that international law and municipal (domestic) law are separate systems because:

Their subjects differ — International law governs states and international organizations, while municipal law applies to individuals and private entities.

Their basis differs — International law is derived from treaties and customs between states, whereas municipal law originates from a sovereign’s legislative or customary authority.

June 2012 Paper 3

1. Who stated that international law is not true law but 'positive international morality' only, analogous to the rules binding a club or society?

Options: (a) Oscar Schachter

  1. (b)John Austin✓
  2. (c)Louis Flenking
  3. (d)Hans Kelsen
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: John Austin regarded international law not as real law but as positive international morality, analogous to rules binding a club.

June 2012 Paper 3Statements

4. Which of the following statements is true?

Options: (a) Nationality is the evidence of the link or relations of an individual with the State whereas domicile denotes de facto residence of an individual in a State with an intention to permanently settle there

  1. (b)Nationality is an evidence of residence of an individual with an intention to permanently settle there
  2. (c)Domicile denotes the link of relations of an individual with the State
  3. (d)None of the above
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Nationality signifies legal allegiance while domicile indicates actual residence with the intent to stay permanently.

December 2012 Paper 3

1. If International Law were only a kind of morality, the framers of state papers concerning foreign policy would throw all strength on moral argument. But as a matter of fact, this is not what they do. They appeal not to the general feeling of moral rightness, but to precedents, to treaties and to opinions of specialists. They assume the existence among statesmen and publicists of a series of legal as distinguished from moral obligations in the affairs of nations." This observation is made by:

Options:

  1. (a)Frederick Pollock✓
  2. (b)L. Oppenheim
  3. (c)Hans Kelsen
  4. (d)P.C. Corbett
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: This view was expressed by Frederick Pollock, reflecting the practical orientation of international law over moral reasoning.

June 2013 Paper 2

1. Who among the following said that the law of nations is "the body of legal rules which apply between states and such entities as have been granted international personality"?

Options:

  1. (a)Fenwick
  2. (b)Oppenheim
  3. (c)Schwarzenberger✓
  4. (d)Verdoss
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation: Schwarzenberger defined international law as the body of legal rules applicable between states and other internationally recognized entities.

June 2013 Paper 3Match the lists

4. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:

Options:

  1. (a)2 1 4 3✓
  2. (b)1 2 3 4
  3. (c)4 3 2 1
  4. (d)3 4 1 2
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: These correspond to historical facts of sovereignty arrangements and colonial control.

September 2013 Paper 2

8. Under international law, which of the following cases affirmed that treaty obligations override municipal law provisions among contracting states?

Options:

  1. (a)Navlila Incident Case
  2. (b)Greco-Bulgarian Communities Case✓
  3. (c)Panevezys Saldutiskis Railway Case
  4. (d)Polish Postal Service Case
Answer & explanation

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: The Greco-Bulgarian Communities Case clarified that domestic laws cannot negate treaty commitments between parties.

September 2013 Paper 3Statements

1. "International Law is defined as Law of Nations or International Law is the name for the body of customary and conventional rules which are considered legally binding by civilized States in their relation with each other." This statement is attributed to:

Options:

  1. (a)Charles G. Fenwick
  2. (b)J.G. Starke
  3. (c)J.L. Brierly
  4. (d)L. Oppenheim✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The definition is credited to L. Oppenheim, who characterized international law as binding rules between civilized states.

September 2013 Paper 3Statements

3. Which of the following statements is true?

Options:

  1. (a)Pacta tertius nec nocent nec prosunt means the UN Charter cannot bind non-members✓
  2. (b)The General Assembly has the essential element of binding decision
  3. (c)The Security Council is an advisory body only
  4. (d)The Security Council may never take action involving use of armed forces
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: The principle 'pacta tertius nec nocent nec prosunt' signifies treaties do not bind or benefit third parties (non-members).

September 2013 Paper 3Match the lists

5. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:

Options:

  1. (a)4 2 3 1
  2. (b)4 3 2 1
  3. (c)3 4 1 2
  4. (d)4 3 1 2✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

September 2013 Paper 3Statements

6. Which of the following statements is true?

Options:

  1. (a)A recommendation of General Assembly may be without true legal effect, it may have effects of a moral and political character✓
  2. (b)A decision of General Assembly may be with true legal effect, it may not be without effects of a moral and political character
  3. (c)A decision of General Assembly is immoral and unethical, if it is without true legal effect
  4. (d)None of the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Recommendations by the General Assembly are generally non-binding but hold moral and political weight.

September 2013 Paper 3Statements

1. Which of the following statements are true?

Options:

There is no rule to determine when usage shall give rise to a custom.

Customary rules of International Law are diminishing and being replaced by treaties and conventions.

Treaty contracts are not direct sources of International Law.

International Law is a positive morality.

Codes:

  1. (a)1, 2, 3 & 4
  2. (b)2, 3 & 4
  3. (c)1, 2 & 3✓
  4. (d)1 & 2
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: There’s no definite rule for when usage becomes custom, customary rules are declining in favor of treaties, and treaty contracts aren’t direct sources of International Law.

September 2013 Paper 3

2. "The law of National or International law may be defined as the body of rules and principles of actions which are binding upon civilized states in their relations with one another." This definition was given by:

Options:

  1. (a)J.L. Brierly✓
  2. (b)Torsten Vitel
  3. (c)Hackworth
  4. (d)None of the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: J.L. Brierly provided this classical definition.

December 2013 Paper 3

2. Which of the following jurists regard the controversy "whether international law is a law" as a dispute about words and not things?

Options: (a) Lawrence

  1. (b)Austin
  2. (c)Hobbes
  3. (d)Hart
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Lawrence considered this issue a semantic debate rather than a substantive one.

December 2013 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

6. Assertion (A): International law is not a law.

Reason (R): It lacks determinate superior political authority to enforce its rules.

Codes: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

  1. (b)Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)✓
  2. (c)(A) is true, but (R) is false
  3. (d)(A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: While both statements can hold, the lack of superior authority isn't the only factor determining whether something qualifies as 'law'.

June 2014 Paper 2Assertion–Reason

1. Assertion (A): According to John Austin, international law is not true law but merely international morality.

Reason (R): Three elements in Austin's definition of law — command of a sovereign, duty of inferiors, and sanction for breach — are absent in international law.

Codes: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

  1. (b)Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A)
  2. (c)(A) is true, but (R) is false✓
  3. (d)(A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: International law lacks the sovereign command structure in Austin's theory, though it does regulate state behavior.

June 2014 Paper 2

2. "International law is international morality, ethics, or convention in a social sense, distinct from enforceable law" was said by:

Options: (a) Hobbes

  1. (b)Pufendorf
  2. (c)Bentham✓
  3. (d)Kelsen
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Bentham considered international law as a set of moral and social conventions, not enforceable rules.

June 2014 Paper 3

1. "Form of rules accepted by civilized states as determining their conduct towards each other and each other's subjects, is defined as international law" was held in:

Options:

  1. (a)S.S. Lotus case
  2. (b)West Rand Central Gold Mining Co. v. King✓
  3. (c)Queen v. Keyn
  4. (d)L. Oppenheim
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: In this case, the Privy Council recognized the accepted norms among states as constituting international law.

June 2014 Paper 3Statements

3. Which of the following statements is true?

Options:

  1. (a)The community to be recognized as an international person should be organised
  2. (b)Control over definite territory is desirable
  3. (c)Control over territory must be permanent
  4. (d)The community must be independent✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: As per the Montevideo Convention, statehood requires independence along with defined territory, population, and government.

June 2014 Paper 3Statements

4. Which of the following statements is correct?

Options:

  1. (a)Primary responsibility of international peacekeeping lies with the General Assembly
  2. (b)The Security Council is a deliberative organ
  3. (c)Members may refuse to follow Security Council advice
  4. (d)The Economic and Social Council executes the responsibilities under Chapter-IX (Articles 55-60) under General Assembly supervision✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: ECOSOC operates under the General Assembly’s authority to manage socio-economic and humanitarian issues per the Charter.

June 2014 Paper 3Statements

6. Which of the following statements is true?

Options:

  1. (a)Mere counting of heads is enough to assess the authority of a General Assembly resolution
  2. (b)Mere counting of heads is not enough to assess authority; legal weight depends on nature and consensus✓
  3. (c)Mere counting of heads assesses the integrity of General Assembly
  4. (d)None of the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The legal effect of a General Assembly resolution depends on broad acceptance, not merely vote tally.

December 2014 Paper 2Match the lists

1. Match List-I with List-II and give the correct answer by using the codes given below:

Code: (a) 3 2 4 1

  1. (b)1 3 2 4
  2. (c)2 4 3 2
  3. (d)1 2 3 4
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

December 2014 Paper 3

1. "International law may be defined in broad terms as the body of general principles and specific rules which are binding upon the members of the International Community in their mutual relations." Who has given this definition of Public International Law?

  1. (a)J.G. Starke
  2. (b)Charles G. Fenwick✓
  3. (c)Whiteman
  4. (d)Torsten Ghl
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Charles G. Fenwick, a well-known scholar of international law, provided this classic definition of Public International Law highlighting its basis in binding general principles and specific rules governing state relations.

June 2015 Paper 2

1. "International Law or the Law of Nations is the name of body or rules which according to the usual definitions regulate the conduct of the states in their intercourse with one another." Who has given this definition?

  1. (a)Hack Warth
  2. (b)Charles G. Fenwick
  3. (c)Gray✓
  4. (d)Whiteman
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: This classic definition was given by Gray, a distinguished scholar of international law, emphasizing its role in regulating relations between sovereign states.

June 2015 Paper 2

3. In which case did Justice Gray remark: "International law is a part of our law and must be ascertained and administered by the courts of justice of appropriate jurisdiction as often as questions of right depending on it are duly presented for administration"?

  1. (a)Nicaragua v. U.S.
  2. (b)Paquete Habana case✓
  3. (c)U.S. v. Schooner
  4. (d)U.S. v. Canada
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: In the landmark Paquete Habana case (1900), Justice Gray affirmed that international law is part of U.S. law, to be recognized and applied by courts when appropriate.

June 2015 Paper 3

1. Who of the following has remarked that International law is a "Living and Expanding Code"?

  1. (a)Judge Alvarez
  2. (b)Lord Chancellor Sankey✓
  3. (c)J.G. Starke
  4. (d)Prof. Lissitzyn
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Lord Chancellor Sankey famously described International Law as a “living and expanding code,” highlighting its evolving nature in response to global developments.

December 2015 Paper 2

1. Who has stated that "As a matter of fact International law is neither a myth on the one hand nor a panacea on the other, but just one institution among other which we can use for the building of a better International order"?

  1. (a)Prof. Louis Henkin
  2. (b)J.L. Brierly✓
  3. (c)J.G. Starke
  4. (d)Oppenheim
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: This remark was made by J.L. Brierly, reflecting a balanced view of international law as a functional and evolving institution rather than an idealistic solution or an illusion.

December 2015 Paper 2Statements

4. Which of the following statement/statements is/are incorrect?

There are five prominent theories of relationship between International law and Municipal law.

According to Dualism Theory, law is a unified branch of knowledge.

'Monism' and 'Dualism' are diametrically opposed to each other.

Wright, Kelson and Duguit are prominent exponents of Dualism Theory.

Codes:

  1. (a)2 and 4 are incorrect✓
  2. (b)1, 2 and 4 are incorrect
  3. (c)Only 4 is incorrect
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4 all are incorrect
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Dualism views international and municipal laws as separate, so Statement 2 is incorrect. Wright, Kelson, and Duguit were Monism proponents, not Dualists, so Statement 4 is also incorrect.

December 2015 Paper 3

1. Whose observations are these on the point that whether international law is a mere positive morality?

“If International Law were only a kind of morality, the framers of State papers concerning foreign policy would throw all their weight on moral arguments, but as a matter of fact, this is not what they do. They appeal not to the general feeling of moral rightness, but to precedents, to treaties, and to opinions of specialists.”

  1. (a)H.L.A. Hart
  2. (b)Oppenheim
  3. (c)Edward Collins
  4. (d)Frederick Pollock✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: The observation about international law being treated more as precedent-based and specialist-guided than mere morality belongs to Frederick Pollock.

December 2015 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

6. Assertion (A): International law is not potent enough to restrain a powerful state that disregards public opinion.

Reason (R): Sanctions behind international law are weak.

Codes:

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)✓
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. (c)(A) is true, (R) is false
  4. (d)(A) is false, (R) is true
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: International law lacks coercive force against powerful defiant states, as its sanctions rely largely on collective will and public opinion.

July 2016 Paper 2Statements

1. "International law must be continuously developed by revision in content, expansion of scope and improvement of the means of securing compliance, so that it is kept in accordance with the changing needs of the international community." This statement is made by:

  1. (a)Strake
  2. (b)Edward Collins✓
  3. (c)L. Oppenheim
  4. (d)W. Frieman
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Edward Collins made this observation about the evolving nature of international law to align with the dynamic needs of the international community.

July 2016 Paper 2Assertion–Reason

3. Assertion (A): According to the exponents of Monism Theory, law is a unified branch of knowledge, whether it applies to persons or other entities.

Reason (R): In view of Monistic writers, in the ultimate analysis of law we find that man is at the root of all laws.

Codes:

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)✓
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. (c)(A) is correct, (R) is wrong
  4. (d)(A) is wrong, (R) is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Both statements correctly reflect Monism Theory and its foundation on human-centered legal analysis.

July 2016 Paper 3

1. Who has remarked that International Law is the vanishing point of Jurisprudence because in his view, rules of International Law are followed by courtesy and hence they should not be kept in the category of law?

  1. (a)Prof. H.L.A. Hart
  2. (b)J.G. Starke
  3. (c)Louis Henkin
  4. (d)Holland✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Holland considered International Law as the vanishing point of Jurisprudence because he believed it lacked enforceability and was based on courtesy.

September 2016 Paper 2

1. Who has criticized International Law by remarking: "... this pompous law of Nations which is so eloquent in books and silent in the cabinets of diplomats."?

  1. (a)Emmanuel Kant✓
  2. (b)Edward Collins
  3. (c)H.L.A. Hart
  4. (d)J.G. Starke
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Emmanuel Kant criticized international law as being eloquent in literature but ineffective in practical diplomacy.

September 2016 Paper 2

2. Who of the following is not the exponent of Dualism Theory?

  1. (a)Triepel
  2. (b)Anzilloti
  3. (c)Hegel
  4. (d)Duguit✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Duguit is not associated with Dualism theory; Triepel, Anzilloti, and Hegel are its exponents.

September 2016 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

1. Read Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and answer using the codes given below:

Assertion (A): Customary International Law, if not contrary to the Municipal laws, shall be deemed to have been incorporated in the Domestic Law and shall be followed by the courts.

Reason (R): Sustainable development as a balancing concept between ecology and development has been accepted as part of customary International Law.

Codes:

  1. (a)(A) is right, but (R) is wrong
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are right and (R) is the correct reason of (A)✓
  3. (c)Both (A) and (R) are wrong
  4. (d)Both (A) and (R) are right, but (R) is not the correct reason of (A)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Customary International Law is considered part of domestic law unless it contradicts municipal law, and sustainable development has indeed been recognised as part of customary international law.

September 2016 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

2. Read Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and give the correct answer by using the codes given below:

Assertion (A): The greatest shortcoming of International law is that it lacks an effective executive authority to enforce its rules.

Reason (R): Due to lack of effective sanctions, rules of International Law are frequently violated.

Codes:

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)✓
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. (c)(A) is correct, (R) is wrong
  4. (d)(A) is wrong, (R) is correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Both statements accurately describe limitations of international law, and the reason (R) directly explains the assertion (A).

January 2017 Paper 2

1. Who has remarked that "it is both practically inconvenient and also contrary to the best juristic thought to deny its (International law) legal character"?

  1. (a)H.L.A. Hart
  2. (b)J.G. Strake
  3. (c)Edward Collins
  4. (d)J.L. Brierly✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: J.L. Brierly stated that it is inconvenient and contrary to juristic thought to deny international law its legal character.

January 2017 Paper 2Assertion–Reason

2. Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Read and choose the correct answer:

Assertion (A): 'Res Judicata', 'Estoppel', etc. are examples of the General Principles of Law recognized by civilized states.

Reason (R): In the case of diversion of water from Muese, the Permanent Court of International Justice applied 'Res Judicata' and 'Estoppel'.

Codes:

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not related to (A)✓
  2. (b)(A) is correct, but (R) is false
  3. (c)(R) is correct, but (A) is false
  4. (d)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Both statements are correct, but 'Res Judicata' and 'Estoppel' were not applied in the particular case mentioned.

January 2017 Paper 2

3. Which of the following is not a "theory" propounded to explain the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law?

  1. (a)Transformation Theory
  2. (b)Delegation Theory
  3. (c)Fiction Theory✓
  4. (d)Specific Adoption Theory
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The recognized theories are Transformation, Delegation, and Specific Adoption. Fiction Theory is not among them.

January 2017 Paper 3

1. Which of the following pair/pairs is/are correctly matched? Give correct answer by using the codes given below:

J.G. Starke – An Introduction to International Law

Hackworth – Digest of International Law

J.L. Brierly – The Changing Structure of International Law

W. Friedman – The Basis of Obligation in International Law

Codes:

  1. (a)Only 2
  2. (b)1 and 2 both✓
  3. (c)1, 2 and 3
  4. (d)1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Only Starke's and Hackworth’s works are correctly paired with the mentioned titles.

January 2017 Paper 3

3. In International Law, a good example of the application of the principle of sovereignty is the 'Theory of Auto Limitation'. The chief exponents of this theory are:

  1. (a)Only Anzilotti
  2. (b)Anzilotti and Triepel both✓
  3. (c)Salmond
  4. (d)Max Huber
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Both Anzilotti and Triepel advocated the 'auto-limitation' theory of state sovereignty.

November 2017 Paper 2

1. In which of the following cases Judge Alvarez aptly remarked, "The fundamental principles of international law are passing through a serious crisis and this necessitates its reconstruction. A new international law is developing which embodies not only this reconstruction but also some entirely new elements"?

  1. (a)Anglo-Norwegian Fisheries Case
  2. (b)Aegean Sea Continental Shelf Case
  3. (c)Conditions of admission of a State to the United Nations✓
  4. (d)International Status of South West Africa
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Judge Alvarez made this observation in the case concerning conditions of admission of a state to the United Nations.

November 2017 Paper 2Statements

2. Which of the following statement/statements is/are not correct?

The words 'International Law' were first used by eminent British jurist Jeremy Bentham in 1780.

J.S. Starke remarked that international law is a "living and expanding code."

Prof. Oppenheim remarked that international law is the vanishing point of jurisprudence.

Holland viewed that international law is mere positive morality.

Code:

  1. (a)Only 3 is incorrect
  2. (b)1 and 4 both are incorrect
  3. (c)2, 3 and 4 are only incorrect✓
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4 all are incorrect
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Statements 2, 3, and 4 are not correctly matched as per established academic consensus.

November 2017 Paper 2

3. Which of the following is not a theory of relationship between international law and municipal law?

  1. (a)Specific Adoption Theory
  2. (b)Delegation Theory
  3. (c)Declaratory Theory✓
  4. (d)Monism
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Declaratory Theory is not a recognized theory regarding the relationship between international and municipal law.

November 2017 Paper 3

1. Which of the following jurists deny the legal character of international law?

  1. (a)Hobbes
  2. (b)Pufendorf✓
  3. (c)Oppenheim
  4. (d)Starke
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Pufendorf denied the legal character of international law, viewing it as lacking obligatory force.

November 2017 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

5. Read Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and answer using the codes given below:

Assertion (A): It is a very important principle of international law that extradition for political crimes is not allowed.

Reason (R): Stoeck v. The Public Trustee is a leading case relating to non-extradition of political criminals.

Code:

  1. (a)Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. (b)Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. (c)A is true, but R is false✓
  4. (d)A is false, but R is true
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: While non-extradition for political offences is a principle of international law, Stoeck v. The Public Trustee is unrelated.

July 2018Statements

1. Which of the following statement/statements is/are correct?

Hobbes, Austin and Pufendorf subscribe to the view that law is "properly so called" when enforced by a superior political authority and hence deny the legal character of International Law.

Oppenheim has remarked that International Law is the vanishing point of Jurisprudence.

Holland subscribes to the view that International Law is really law.

Starke has expressed the view that International Law is a "Weak law".

Options:

  1. (a)Only 1 is correct
  2. (b)1 and 4 both are correct✓
  3. (c)1, 2, and 3 are correct
  4. (d)1, 2, 3, and 4 all correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Hobbes, Austin and Pufendorf deny the legal character of international law as lacking a superior enforcing authority. Starke calls international law a "weak law" because of the absence of a centralized sanctioning power. Hence, statements 1 and 4 are correct.

July 2018

2. 'Triepel' and 'Anzilloti' are the exponents of which of the following theory of relationship between International Law and Municipal Law?

  1. (a)Monism
  2. (b)Dualism✓
  3. (c)Specific Adoption Theory
  4. (d)Delegation Theory
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Triepel and Anzilloti are the principal supporters of the Dualist theory, which maintains that International Law and Municipal (domestic) Law are separate legal systems operating independently within their own spheres. Dualists believe both require specific transformation to have effect within each other’s domain.

December 2018

1. Which of the following is/are the chief exponents of the 'Theory of Consent' regarding the basis of international law?

  1. (a)Jellinek, Fenwick
  2. (b)J.L. Brierly, Kelsen
  3. (c)Anzilotti, Triepel, Oppenheim✓
  4. (d)Grotius, Vattel, Pufendorf
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The 'Theory of Consent' asserts that international law is binding because states consent to be bound by it. Anzilotti, Triepel, and Oppenheim are key proponents of this theory, emphasizing that the will of the states forms the basis of legal obligations in international law.

June 2019

1. Which of the following are the chief exponents of the ‘Theory of Consent’ regarding the basis of International Law?

  1. (a)Anzilotti, Triepel, Oppenheim✓
  2. (b)Starke, Smith, Brierly
  3. (c)Fawcett, Jellinck, Pollock
  4. (d)Kelsen, Hart, Edward Collins
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: The Theory of Consent posits that international legal obligations arise only from states’ consensual acts, such as treaties or declarations. Its principal proponents include Anzilotti, Triepel, and Oppenheim, who emphasized that international law derives from state consent.

December 2019Statements

6. Which of the following statement/statements are true?

  1. (a)In Nicaragua v. USA, the World Court by majority held that the sources of International Law are hierarchical.
  2. (b)In Nicaragua v. USA, the World Court unanimously held that the sources of International Law are not hierarchical.
  3. (c)In Nicaragua v. USA, the World Court by majority held that the sources of International Law are not hierarchical but necessarily complementary and interrelated.✓
  4. (d)In Nicaragua v. USA, the World Court unanimously held that the sources of International Law are not hierarchical but necessarily complementary and interrelated.
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The ICJ (World Court) in the Nicaragua case held by majority that sources of international law are not hierarchical but complementary and interdependent.

December 2019

10. “The law of nations is that collection of usages which civilized states have agreed to observe in their dealings with one another.” This definition of International Law is given by Lord Coleridge in:

  1. (a)Queen v. Keyn✓
  2. (b)West Rand Central Gold Mining Ltd. Co. v. King
  3. (c)S.S. Lotus case
  4. (d)A.M. Luther Co. v. Sugar and Co.
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Lord Coleridge expressed this definition in Queen v. Keyn, a landmark judgment on customary international law and jurisdiction.

1. Give the chronological order (year wise) of these cases decided by the courts:

A. West Rand Central Gold Mining Co. Ltd. v. R. (1905)

B. Portugal v. India (1960)

C. Burkina Faso v. Mali (1986)

D. Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions case (1924)

E. Chorzow Factory (Indemnity) case (1925)

Choose the correct answer:

(a) A, C, D, B, E

(b) A, B, C, D, E

(c) A, E, B, C, D

(d) A, E, B, D, C

Correct chronological order — A (1905), D (1924), E (1925), B (1960), C (1986).

June 2020

8. The words 'International Law' were first used by:

  1. (a)Oppenheim
  2. (b)W. Friedmann
  3. (c)Austin
  4. (d)Jeremy Bentham✓
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) : Jeremy Bentham coined the term ‘International Law’ in 1789.

June 2020

4. The view that international law consisted of precepts dictated to States by natural law was advanced by:

  1. (a)Kelsen
  2. (b)Vattel✓
  3. (c)HLA Hart
  4. (d)Salmond
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Vattel advocated that international law derived its authority from natural law principles binding upon nations.

June 2020Statements

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. (a)Hart’s analysis suggests international law is a set of rules, not a system.
  2. (b)Absence of basic rules of recognition in international law prevents its systematization.
  3. (c)International law remains a collection of separate rules.
  4. (d)Many rules of international law rest on treaty, not custom.✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Many rules in international law are actually based on customary practices rather than treaties alone.

June 2020Statements

8. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. (a)Starke and Kelsen contend that there is both legislation and law enforcement in international law.
  2. (b)According to Starke, legislation is provided by multilateral treaties in international law.
  3. (c)According to Kelsen, sanctions are provided by the right of self-help and war in international law.
  4. (d)Treaties and self-help can qualify as legislation and law-enforcement in a positivist sense.✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

In the positivist concept of international law, treaties can be considered legislation to some extent because they are binding agreements between states. However, self-help is not regarded as a legitimate mode of law enforcement or legislation in a strict positivist sense, as it often operates outside legal frameworks. Hence, option (d) is not correct.

June 2020

9. Who defines law as a body of rules for human conduct within a community, which by common consent shall be enforced by external power?

  1. (a)Oppenheim✓
  2. (b)Austin
  3. (c)Bentham
  4. (d)Friedman
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Oppenheim provided this definition in his authoritative works on international law.

June 2020

10. Which of the following group of jurists considered law as a command of sovereign enforced by superior authority, and hence did not treat international law as 'properly so called' law?

  1. (a)Starke, Salmond, Holland
  2. (b)Hart, Starke, Oppenheim
  3. (c)Holland, Oppenheim, Hart
  4. (d)Hobbes, Pufendorf, Austin✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Hobbes, Pufendorf, and Austin held that law requires sovereign authority, and therefore did not recognize international law as true law.

June 2020Statements

12. Which of the following statement/statements is/are correct?

(1) On 16th June, 1987, the foreign secretaries of South Asian Regional Countries entered into an agreement on extradition.

(2) Hong Kong Pact on Extradition with India was entered in the middle of June 1980.

(3) India and Germany signed an Extradition Treaty on 27 June, 2001.

(4) India and France signed an Extradition Treaty on 24 June, 2002.

Choose the most appropriate answer:

  1. (a)(1), (2), (4) only
  2. (b)(2), (3), (4) only
  3. (c)(1), (3) only✓
  4. (d)(1), (2), (3), (4)
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The correct statements are:

(1) On 16th June 1987, South Asian countries did enter into an extradition agreement.

(3) India and Germany signed an extradition treaty on 27 June 2001.

Statements (2) and (4) are not correct as per official treaty records.

June 2020

7. Kelsen focuses on:

  1. (a)Primacy of Pacta sunt servanda
  2. (b)State behaviour being in conformity with customary international law✓
  3. (c)Pacta sunt servanda being responsible for the growth of customary international law
  4. (d)Pacta sunt servanda being independent of the principles of customary international law
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Kelsen emphasized that international law derives its authority from state practices conforming to customary law, not merely from pacta sunt servanda.

June 2020

9. Which of the following is correct?

  1. (a)Pacta sunt servanda is an absolute principle
  2. (b)Pacta sunt servanda covers unequal treaties also
  3. (c)Pacta sunt servanda is not an absolute principle as it fails to explain the binding force of customary rules of international law✓
  4. (d)Pacta sunt servanda explains the binding force of customary rules of international law
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Pacta sunt servanda is not an absolute principle, since it cannot independently explain why customary rules bind states. The binding nature of customary international law comes from consistent state practice and opinio juris (belief of legal obligation), not pacta sunt servanda alone.

June 2023

Who said, "International Law or the Law of Nations is the body of rules which regulate the conduct of states in their intercourse with one another"?

  1. (a)Oppenheim
  2. (b)Lauterpacht
  3. (c)Brierly
  4. (d)Kelsen✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: This classical definition is attributed to Hans Kelsen.

June 2023Statements

'The grand function of the Law of Nature was discharged in giving birth to modern International Law.' Who made this statement?

  1. (a)Oppenheim
  2. (b)Henry Maine✓
  3. (c)Holland
  4. (d)H.L.A. Hart
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The statement is attributed to Henry Maine.

June 2023Statements

2. Which of the following statements are correct?

(A) In S.S. Lotus case, the PCIJ defined International Law as "principles which are in force between all independent nations"

(B) Professor Dias suggests that International law can never be called a 'Law'

(C) Lord Halsbury, when Prime Minister of England, remarked it was a misnomer to call international law as 'Law'; it should be better described as a branch of ethics

(D) Russel has defined International Law as "the aggregate of the rules to which the nations have agreed to conform to their conduct towards one another"

(E) According to Austin, International law is set and enforced by a political sovereign authority

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. (a)(A), (B) and (C) only
  2. (b)(A), (C) and (D) only✓
  3. (c)(B), (C) and (E) only
  4. (d)(B), (D) and (E) only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statements A, C, and D are historically and jurisprudentially accurate descriptions of positions taken by notable jurists and the PCIJ. B is inaccurate regarding Dias' views, and E misrepresents Austin's definition.

June 2024Match the lists

2. Match the List-I with List-II

List-I (Titles of Books)

A. Public International Law in Nutshell

B. Law among Nations: An Introduction to Public International Law

C. Principles of Public International Law

D. Text Book on International Law

List-II (Authors)

I. J.L. Taulbee and G.V. Glahn

II. Martin Dixon

III. Thomas Buergenthal and Sean D. Murphy

IV. Ian Brownlie

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  1. (a)A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
  2. (b)A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II✓
  3. (c)A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
  4. (d)A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

This correctly matches the titles to their respective authors.

June 2024

3. Who coined the English phrase "International Law" for the first time?

  1. (a)Plato
  2. (b)Cicero
  3. (c)Aristotle
  4. (d)Jeremy Bentham✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Jeremy Bentham introduced the term International Law in the 18th century in his work An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1780).

June 2024Match the lists

14. Match the List-I with List-II

List-I (Authors/Editors)

A. J. Crowe & K.W. Scheuber

B. Charlotte Lulf

C. Mathilde Crepin

D. Dieter Fleck and Michael Bothe

List-II (Titles of Books)

I. The Handbook of International Humanitarian Law (ed), OUP

II. Persecution International Refugee Law and Refugees: A Feminist Approach

III. Conflict of Displacement and Legal Protection: Understanding Asylum, Human Rights and Refugee Law

IV. Principles of International Humanitarian Law

Choose the correct answer:

  1. (a)A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
  2. (b)A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
  3. (c)A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
  4. (d)A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

This pairing correctly matches prominent authors with their respective works.

June 2025

5. "International law is the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilised states in their relations with one another." — This definition is attributed to:

  1. (a)Oppenheim
  2. (b)J.L. Brierly✓
  3. (c)J.G. Starke
  4. (d)Jeremy Bentham
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) Breirly

Explanation: Breirly, gave this classical definition highlighting its state-centric focus.

June 2025Match the lists

6. Match the following authors/editors with their respective books:

List-I (Authors/Editors)

A. Rainer Arnold

B. Vandana Shiva

C. Lenzerini Federico

D. Emily Crawford & Alison Pert

List-II (Books)

International Humanitarian Law

The Universalism of Human Rights

Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature & Knowledge

The Culturalisation of Human Rights Law

  1. (a)A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1✓
  2. (b)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  3. (c)A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
  4. (d)A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation: The correct pairing matches each author/editor to their widely cited book on international law and human rights.

June 2026 · Q89

Which one of the following jurist defined International Law as, "the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilized States in their relations with one another"?

  1. (a)Kelsen
  2. (b)Oppenheim
  3. (c)Brierly✓
  4. (d)Anzilotti
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) Brierly

Explanation: J. L. Brierly (in The Law of Nations) famously defined International Law as: "The Law of Nations or International Law may be defined as the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilized States in their relations with one another."

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