International Law Fact Sheet Conventional and Customar - PDF document

1 BROOKLYN FOR PEACE 41 Schermerhorn Street , PMB 106 Brooklyn, NY 11201 718 - 624 - 5921 www.brooklynpeace.org International Law Fact Sheet Conventional and Customary International Law Public international law”* is either “ conventional” or “customary”:  conventional international law, or treaty law , is based on international agreements, conventions and treaties: it is binding only on ratifying nations. Conventional Law is governed by the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.  customary international law is a kind of international common law bas ed on widespread state practice and acknowledgment of obligation; on the judgments of domestic and i nternational tribunals; and on " the general principles of law recognized by civilized nations” and “the teachings of the most highly qualified publicists of the various nations.” It is binding on all nations and on non - state actors. Conventional law can become customary, if it is widely perceive d to embody fundamental laws. Needless to say, the content of customary internat ional law is far from settled. *Private international law deals with the resolution of conflicts of law and generally with private matters such as business transactions and family law. Brooklyn For Peace: International Law Committee To work with our committee, contact us at: 718 - 624 - 5921 bfp @brooklynpeace.org