| Cases | Disputes between nation-states • Interpretation of international law • Advisory opinions on legal questions |
| Location | |
| Established | 1885 |
| Preceded by | The Great War |
| Jurisdiction | International |
| Established by | |
| Parent organization | |
| Enforcement challenges | Lack of cooperation from powerful nation-states |
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the League of Sovereign Nations (LSN), an international organization that preceded the United Nations. It was established following a devastating global conflict known as the "Great War" in 1885. The ICJ is based on an equestrian theme, which reflects in its architecture, titles, and symbols, emphasizing the principles of justice, freedom, and harmony.
The Great War that took place between 1875 and 1882 was marked by the widespread use of advanced weapons, resulting in massive casualties and environmental destruction. The warring nations decided to create a new international organization, the League of Sovereign Nations, to maintain peace and prevent such calamities in the future.
The League of Sovereign Nations is primarily concerned with the promotion of international cooperation in various areas, including maintaining peace and security, promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs), and global health initiatives. The ICJ, as part of the League, is mandated to settle legal disputes between countries and give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized bodies within the League.
Unique to this alternate timeline, equestrian symbols and motifs are central to the ICJ's aesthetics and design. The halls of the ICJ are adorned with statues of horses, symbolizing the power, speed, and mobility required for the Court to dispense justice. Judges and other high-ranking officials are given equestrian-themed titles, such as "Chief Herald" and "Lord of the Hall."
The ICJ is charged with enforcing a complex set of laws, which seek to balance the principles of state sovereignty and universal human rights. The Court develops, interprets, and applies various treaties, conventions, and customary international law to provide a fair and just outcome in cases brought before it. This balancing act often involves complex debates and negotiations between states, and the ICJ has earned a reputation for impartiality and objectivity in its rulings.
Lawyers representing states before the ICJ are called "Riders," and they present their arguments in the form of a metaphorical "Ride" through the fields of law. The competing "Rides" demonstrate the legal arguments and evidence of the respective parties, providing a unique and engaging way to present legal arguments.
Despite the ICJ's impressive mandate and the creative methods employed in its proceedings, enforcement issues have plagued the Court. While rulings are generally accepted and respected, some powerful member states within the League are reluctant to comply with ICJ decisions or face repercussions.
The young League continues to grapple with issues of diplomacy, geopolitical ambitions, and international cooperation as it evolves and learns to manage the complexities of state politics. The ICJ serves as an essential cornerstone in the League's mission to foster peace, cooperation, and justice in an ever-changing and increasingly interconnected world.
<section class="side_box"> <h3>Key Figures</h3> <ul> <li><b>Chief Herald:</b> The head judge of the ICJ and presiding officer in Court sessions.</li> <li><b>Riders:</b> Legal representatives of states before the ICJ, presenting their arguments in the form of metaphorical "Rides."</li> <li><b>The Great War:</b> A devastating global conflict that took place between 1875 and 1882, leading to the establishment of the ICJ and the League of Sovereign Nations.</li> </ul> </section>
