Answer to Question #256622 in Political Science for uNkotha

Question

Give reasons why international law can not be enforced like domestic law

Answer 1

International law differs from domestic law in many aspects including enforcement for example in the United States, the federal and state governments enforce domestic American law. In terms of international law, no government or international organization enforces international law. Domestic law has a centralized system where command of sovereignty is 'enforced' through a vertical chain of enforcement. How it conventionally works in the national level is that states mandate to its institutions, the police and the courts to compel its citizens to abide by its laws. In terms of the international law, the Security Council of the United Nations is empowered to broadly enforce international law. They can do this through sanctions, peace-keeping operations, or formal censures. Both the Security Council and I.C.J. determine for themselves what sources of international law apply in individual cases.