{"id":358019,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:21","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/international-law.html"},"modified":"2024-05-03T16:06:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T21:06:18","slug":"international-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/international-law.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is International Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What Is International Law?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

International law is the system of rules, treaties, and agreements that governs how nations interact with one another. It covers everything from diplomatic relations and human rights to international business, trade, and cross\u2011border disputes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Definition of International Law<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

International law falls into two categories:<\/p>\n