ICJ Statute, Art. 38(1)

• The Court, whose function is to decide in accordance with international law such disputes as are submitted to it, shall apply:

  • (a) international conventions, whether general or particular, establishing rules expressly recognized by the contesting states;
  • (b) international custom, as evidence of a general practice accepted as law;
  • (c) the general principles of law recognized by civilized nations;