What Is International Law?

Because global issues often involve multiple countries and legal systems, tourists and organizations sometimes need international law professionals to navigate these complex, overlapping rules.

In a global society, legal issues involving international disputes are common. This article will help you understand international law and how it affects business relations, politics, and travel. You’ll also learn about legal situations where individuals or organizations may need help from an international law attorney.

Definition of International Law

International law is the system of treaties and agreements between nations. Nations codify some international laws in written treaties. Nations enforce treaties within their borders. Some laws, called “customary” laws, are not written. An example of “customary” law is the concept of diplomatic immunity.

International law falls into two categories:

• Private international law
• Public international law 

Private international law deals with controversies between private entities with ties to more than one nation. Intellectual property laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are private international business laws.

Public international law concerns the relationships between nations. Treaties and compacts are public international laws. Governments negotiate treaties affecting international trade, human rights, and environmental protection.

Multinational organizations such as the United Nations enforce global treaties. It ensures compliance with laws that affect all nations and that small nations have a say in global policy.

International Law Organizations

International law relies on common law and the consent of the participating nations. Few international organizations can enforce binding treaties between nations. Some of these organizations include:

• The United Nations includes the International Court of Justice and the Security Council
• The International Monetary Fund monitors economic development and fosters growth in member nations.
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are humanitarian and human rights agencies. They protect the rights of prisoners of war and displaced people worldwide.
• The World Trade Organization is the only agency that oversees international trade rules. The WTO acts as a bridge between governments and multinational corporations.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors and responds to health crises across six primary regions worldwide. Reports on disease outbreaks and flags inadequate responses for humanitarian support.
• The International Criminal Court investigates and tries those charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. The ICC is a “court of last resort” for crimes that can’t be tried in the defendant’s home country.

These agencies offer their member nations legal assistance, monitoring, and arbitration. They can appeal to the United Nations Security Council for military support when necessary.

Who Needs an International Law Attorney?

Most people never have to interact with international law. Those who do may be part of a large corporation’s legal team. Or they’re victims of international human rights abuses seeking asylum in safer countries.

The average person’s contact with international law is likely to happen when they are the victim of crime in a foreign country. They need a lawyer with the language skills and knowledge to help them.

Other people who may need international legal services may include:

• Non-profits trying to provide humanitarian aid to those in disaster-stricken areas
• People purchasing real estate overseas
• U.S. business lawyers representing clients making mergers of companies in other nations
• Students seeking legal advice about a term or internship in Europe or Asia

International law touches everyone’s lives in ways you might not expect. Even traveling to Mexico or Canada is international travel.

How To Find an International Law Attorney

When you’re facing a legal issue that crosses borders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Different laws, different governments, and unfamiliar processes can make even simple issues feel complicated. Whether you’re dealing with an international business dispute, a travel‑related legal issue, or questions about your rights abroad, expert legal advice can help give you peace of mind.

FindLaw’s directory of international law attorneys can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals near you. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information.

International Law Terms To Know

The following terms are often used when discussing international law.

• Ambassador: A government official who facilitates communication between two nations.
• International Court of Justice: The judicial branch of the United Nations. It resolves disputes between nations and issues advisory opinions on international law matters.
• Interpol: An international network of police organizations that works to solve international crime.
• Security Council: A special committee within the United Nations that addresses threats to international security. It imposes sanctions and authorizes the use of force and peacekeeping missions.

Related Practice Areas

• Business and Commercial Law: International law affects manufacturing, safety standards, and trade regulations.
• Environmental Law: International laws help nations regulate their impact on the global environment.
• Civil Rights: The U.S. grants its citizens many rights and freedoms that other nations don’t. Civil rights law is a critical part of international law.
• Admiralty and Maritime Law: The nations share ocean access to ease trade. The admiralty law field offers rules for interacting with foreign vessels.