The Relationship of General Principles of Law with the Basic Principles of International Law
Keywords:
General principles of law, international law, public international lawAbstract
This article explores the theoretical and practical interplay between general principles of law and the foundational principles of international law. As recognized sources of law under Article 38(1)(c) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, general principles serve as a bridge between national legal systems and the international legal order. In parallel, the basic principles of international law—such as sovereign equality, non-intervention, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for human rights—are essential for the legitimacy and stability of the international community. Through historical evolution, jurisprudence, and doctrinal analysis, this paper investigates how general principles inform, complement, and reinforce the basic tenets of international law. The study emphasizes the normative power of general principles in resolving gaps, promoting coherence, and legitimizing international legal processes, especially in a rapidly globalizing legal context. Drawing from both Western and non-Western legal traditions, this research aims to establish a pluralistic understanding of the relationship between these legal categories.
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