Peremptory Norms in International Law: (Oxford Monographs in International Law)

This monograph analyses the questions raised by the legal effects of peremptory norms of international law (jus cogens). A comprehensive study of this problem has been lacking so far in international legal doctrine. Peremptory norms, although often criticised and even more often approached with sceptical nihilism, nevertheless attract growing doctrinal and practical attention and have increasing importance in determining the permissible limits on the action of State and non-State actors in different areas. In view of this overriding impact on what might otherwise be instances of the law-making process, peremptory norms concern a constitutional aspect of international law. Peremptory norms are non-derogable norms, and the concept of derogation is among the key concepts analysed here. Derogation from peremptory norms can be attempted in a wide variety of situations, but if peremptory norms are to operate as norms and not merely as aspirations they must generate consequences that are also peremptory. This effects-oriented character of peremptory norms is examined in a variety of fields. Despite the growing relevance of peremptory norms in practice, doctrine has failed to treat the issue comprehensively and has often been limited to examining specific aspects of the problem, such as the impact of peremptory norms in the law of treaties. This fresh effort to examine and explain the phenomenon of peremptory norms in key areas fills an important doctrinal gap through presenting in a systematic way the effects of peremptory norms and reappraising the significance of such effects, bearing in mind their overall nature. It also demonstrates that the hierarchical superiority of peremptory norms is not limited to the sphere of primary legal relations but becomes most crucially relevant after a specific peremptory norm is breached. A norm's peremptory character is relevant not only for its substance but also for its consequences; peremptoriness consists primarily in the capacity to impact through its effects upon conflicting acts, situations and agreements.

Table of Contents:
Part I Identification of Peremptory Norms 1: Peremptory Norms as International Public Order 2: The Criteria of Identification of Peremptory Norms and their Specific Groups 3: Distinctive Characteristics of Peremptory Norms: Absolute Character, Non-Derogability and the Effect-Oriented Profile 4: Concepts Cognate to Peremptory Norms 5: Sources of Peremptory Norms Part II Effect of Peremptory Norms in General International Law 6: Impact of Peremptory Norms in the Law of Treaties 7: Peremptory Norms and the Validity of the Actions of States 8: Remedies for Breaches of Peremptory Norms 9: Peremptory Norms and the Allocation of Jurisdiction to States 10: Peremptory Norms and State Immunity 11: The Problem of Subsequent Validation of Breaches of Peremptory Norms Part III Peremptory Norms and the Powers of International Organisations 12: The Applicability of Peremptory Norms to the Acts of International Organisations 13: The Types of Conflicts of the Acts of International Organisations with Peremptory Norms 14: Legal Consequences of the Conflict of Security Council Resolution with Peremptory Norms Part IV Peremptory Norms and the Powers of International Tribunals 15: Peremptory Norms and International Judicial Jurisdiction 16: Peremptory Norms and the Standing to Bring Claims 17: Peremptory Norms and Friendly Settlement and Discontinuance of Cases Part V Effect of Peremptory Norms in National Legal Systems 18: Techniques of Interaction of International Jus Cogens with National Law 19: Peremptory Norms and Acts of Foreign States in Private International Law Conclusion Appendix

About the Author :
Alexander Orekhelashvili has previously lectured at the University of London, Queen Mary and Westfield College in Public International Law, and the Law of Armed Conflict. He has been a visiting research fellow at the Max-Plank Institute of International and Comparative Law, and a tutor in International Law at Jesus College, Cambridge. He is widely published both in Russia and in the West in the fields of Public International Law, Human Rights, Conflict and Security Law, and Comparative Law.

Review :
...this book is an excellent and lasting contribution to the study of international law. The author admirably deals with this difficult subject-matter and presents a complete ... analysis of the norms of jus cogens, based on meticulous research. Malgosia Fitzmaurice, Queen Mary, University of London, in International and Comparative Law Quarterly