The ICJ is the main judicial body of the UN. It handles legal disputes between countries and provides advice on legal questions from other UN organizations.

I. Structure  

1. Composition:  

   - 15 judges are elected for 9-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

2. Eligibility:  

   - Judges come from different legal systems around the world.

3. Court Sessions:  

   - The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands, and holds public hearings where countries present their cases.

II. Functions  

1. Dispute Resolution:  

   - The ICJ settles conflicts on issues like border disputes, sovereignty, diplomatic relations, and treaty violations.

2. Advisory Opinions:  

   - The court gives legal advice on international law to UN bodies when asked.

III. Key Cases  

1. Nicaragua vs. United States (1986):  

   - The ICJ ruled that the U.S. broke international law by supporting rebels in Nicaragua.

2. Aegean Sea Continental Shelf (Greece vs. Turkey):  

   - This case was about disagreements over territorial waters and continental shelf rights.

3. Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia vs. Japan):  

   - The ICJ decided that Japan's whaling program violated international agreements.

IV. Jurisdiction  

1. Contentious Jurisdiction:  

   - Countries must agree to the ICJ's authority before or during a case.

2. Compulsory Jurisdiction:  

   - Some countries automatically accept the court's authority in certain cases.

V. Key Issues  

1. Maritime Disputes:  

   - Disagreements over territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

2. Human Rights Violations:  

   - Cases about violations of international human rights agreements.

3. Environmental Law:  

   - Cases involving environmental damage and responsibility.

VI. ICJ's Impact  

1. Enforcement Challenges:  

   - While ICJ rulings are binding, enforcement depends on the cooperation of the involved states and support from the UN Security Council.

2. International Cooperation:  

   - The ICJ promotes global stability by encouraging countries to follow international law.

VII. Preparing for ICJ Debate  

1. Research Legal Arguments:  

   - Study international treaties and legal precedents relevant to your case.

2. Understand Jurisprudence:  

   - Learn about past court rulings to understand how they might influence future cases.

3. Formulate Solid Legal Claims:  

   - Build strong arguments supported by evidence, treaties, and international law.

This guide offers a basic understanding of the ICJ and helps you prepare for legal debates at RMMUN!