Each year, the AMUN International Court of Justice (known as “the ICJ”) convenes in the deepest levels of the Sheraton Grand to address and settle international legal disputes among nations and states. Yet, year after year, the same question haunts the halls of the Sheraton: what does the ICJ even do? Well, we are glad you asked!

The International Court of Justice is an opinion-making body that hears two types of cases: contentious cases – legal disputes between States and advisory proceedings – requests for advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by United Nations organs and other authorized specialized agencies. At AMUN, the Court hears three cases each year, generally consisting of two contentious cases and one advisory opinion. This year, the Court will address the following cases: Questions relating to the Obligation to Prosecute or Extradite (Belgium v. Senegal), Certain Phosphate Lands in Nauru (Nauru v. Australia) and Territorial and Maritime Dispute (Nicaragua v. Colombia; Honduras and Costa Rica).

In the Court, there are two primary actors: Advocates and Justices. Both the Advocates and the Justices have specialized roles, and they are equally essential to providing a realistic representation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). AMUN’s ICJ is a unique simulation that allows students to participate in closed deliberations with a small group (approximately 12 -15) of other Justices, to hear oral arguments presented by Advocates from Member States that are party to the dispute, and apply international law to real-life international disputes. Unlike other simulations at AMUN, the ICJ is a Representative-guided simulation where Justices work together to determine the order of the Court’s docket and carry out proceedings. This simulation emphasizes legal research and application and is the ideal opportunity for students interested in pursuing a professional legal career. 

Interested in participating in the Court next year? A student can apply to be a Justice of the Court by visiting this link, and we will notify them of their participation in this simulation within one week. Parties to the disputes being presented to the Court are notified before their attendance at AMUN, and each Member State is asked to send two Advocates to argue on their behalf. 

For additional questions:

Raegan Mach, Director

AMUN International Court of Justice

raegan@amun.org