How Interpretation Makes International Law

How Interpretation Makes International Law

Author: Ingo Venzke

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2012-09-06

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 0191631965

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Challenging the classic narrative that sovereign states make the law that constrains them, this book argues that treaties and other sources of international law form only the starting point of legal authority. Interpretation can shift the meaning of texts and, in its own way, make law. In the practice of interpretation actors debate the meaning of the written and customary laws, and so contribute to the making of new law. In such cases it is the actor's semantic authority that is key - the capacity for their interpretation to be accepted and become established as new reference points for legal discourse. The book identifies the practice of interpretation as a significant space for international lawmaking, using the key examples of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Appellate Body of the WTO to show how international institutions are able to shape and develop their constituent instruments by adding layers of interpretation, and moving the terms of discourse. The book applies developments in linguistics to the practice of international legal interpretation, building on semantic pragmatism to overcome traditional explanations of lawmaking and to offer a fresh account of how the practice of interpretation makes international law. It discusses the normative implications that arise from viewing interpretation in this light, and the implications that the importance of semantic changes has for understanding the development of international law. The book tests the potential of international law and its doctrine to respond to semantic change, and ultimately ponders how semantic authority can be justified democratically in a normative pluriverse.


Book Synopsis How Interpretation Makes International Law by : Ingo Venzke

Download or read book How Interpretation Makes International Law written by Ingo Venzke and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2012-09-06 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Challenging the classic narrative that sovereign states make the law that constrains them, this book argues that treaties and other sources of international law form only the starting point of legal authority. Interpretation can shift the meaning of texts and, in its own way, make law. In the practice of interpretation actors debate the meaning of the written and customary laws, and so contribute to the making of new law. In such cases it is the actor's semantic authority that is key - the capacity for their interpretation to be accepted and become established as new reference points for legal discourse. The book identifies the practice of interpretation as a significant space for international lawmaking, using the key examples of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Appellate Body of the WTO to show how international institutions are able to shape and develop their constituent instruments by adding layers of interpretation, and moving the terms of discourse. The book applies developments in linguistics to the practice of international legal interpretation, building on semantic pragmatism to overcome traditional explanations of lawmaking and to offer a fresh account of how the practice of interpretation makes international law. It discusses the normative implications that arise from viewing interpretation in this light, and the implications that the importance of semantic changes has for understanding the development of international law. The book tests the potential of international law and its doctrine to respond to semantic change, and ultimately ponders how semantic authority can be justified democratically in a normative pluriverse.


Interpretation in International Law

Interpretation in International Law

Author: Andrea Bianchi

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 433

ISBN-13: 0198725744

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International lawyers have long recognised the importance of interpretation to their academic discipline and professional practice. As new insights on interpretation abound in other fields, international law and international lawyers have largely remained wedded to a rule-based approach, focusing almost exclusively on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Such an approach neglects interpretation as a distinct and broader field of theoretical inquiry. Interpretation in International Law brings international legal scholars together to engage in sustained reflection on the theme of interpretation. The book is creatively structured around the metaphor of the game, which captures and illuminates the constituent elements of an act of interpretation. The object of the game of interpretation is to persuade the audience that one's interpretation of the law is correct. The rules of play are known and complied with by the players, even though much is left to their skills and strategies. There is also a meta-discourse about the game of interpretation - 'playing the game of game-playing' - which involves consideration of the nature of the game, its underlying stakes, and who gets to decide by what rules one should play. Through a series of diverse contributions, Interpretation in International Law reveals interpretation as an inescapable feature of all areas of international law. It will be of interest and utility to all international lawyers whose work touches upon theoretical or practical aspects of interpretation.


Book Synopsis Interpretation in International Law by : Andrea Bianchi

Download or read book Interpretation in International Law written by Andrea Bianchi and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 433 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: International lawyers have long recognised the importance of interpretation to their academic discipline and professional practice. As new insights on interpretation abound in other fields, international law and international lawyers have largely remained wedded to a rule-based approach, focusing almost exclusively on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Such an approach neglects interpretation as a distinct and broader field of theoretical inquiry. Interpretation in International Law brings international legal scholars together to engage in sustained reflection on the theme of interpretation. The book is creatively structured around the metaphor of the game, which captures and illuminates the constituent elements of an act of interpretation. The object of the game of interpretation is to persuade the audience that one's interpretation of the law is correct. The rules of play are known and complied with by the players, even though much is left to their skills and strategies. There is also a meta-discourse about the game of interpretation - 'playing the game of game-playing' - which involves consideration of the nature of the game, its underlying stakes, and who gets to decide by what rules one should play. Through a series of diverse contributions, Interpretation in International Law reveals interpretation as an inescapable feature of all areas of international law. It will be of interest and utility to all international lawyers whose work touches upon theoretical or practical aspects of interpretation.


The Theory, Practice and Interpretation of Customary International Law

The Theory, Practice and Interpretation of Customary International Law

Author: Panos Merkouris

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2022-05-26

Total Pages: 647

ISBN-13: 131651689X

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Provides an in-depth study of the theory, history, practice, and interpretation of customary international law.


Book Synopsis The Theory, Practice and Interpretation of Customary International Law by : Panos Merkouris

Download or read book The Theory, Practice and Interpretation of Customary International Law written by Panos Merkouris and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2022-05-26 with total page 647 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides an in-depth study of the theory, history, practice, and interpretation of customary international law.


Evolutionary Interpretation and International Law

Evolutionary Interpretation and International Law

Author: Georges Abi-Saab

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2019-09-05

Total Pages: 391

ISBN-13: 1509929908

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This unique book brings together leading experts from diverse areas of public international law to offer a comprehensive overview of the approaches to evolutionary interpretation in different international legal regimes. It begins by asking what interpretation is, offering the views of expert authors on the question, its components and definitions. It then comments on situations that have called for evolutionary interpretation in different international legal regimes, including general international law, environmental law, human rights law, EU law, investment law, international trade law, and how domestic courts have, on occasions, interpreted treaties and other international legal instruments in an evolutionary manner. This timely, authoritative compendium offers an in-depth understanding of the processes at work in evolutionary interpretation as well as a prime selection of the current trends and future challenges.


Book Synopsis Evolutionary Interpretation and International Law by : Georges Abi-Saab

Download or read book Evolutionary Interpretation and International Law written by Georges Abi-Saab and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2019-09-05 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This unique book brings together leading experts from diverse areas of public international law to offer a comprehensive overview of the approaches to evolutionary interpretation in different international legal regimes. It begins by asking what interpretation is, offering the views of expert authors on the question, its components and definitions. It then comments on situations that have called for evolutionary interpretation in different international legal regimes, including general international law, environmental law, human rights law, EU law, investment law, international trade law, and how domestic courts have, on occasions, interpreted treaties and other international legal instruments in an evolutionary manner. This timely, authoritative compendium offers an in-depth understanding of the processes at work in evolutionary interpretation as well as a prime selection of the current trends and future challenges.


The Interpretation of Acts and Rules in Public International Law

The Interpretation of Acts and Rules in Public International Law

Author: Alexander Orakhelashvili

Publisher: Oxford University Press on Demand

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 623

ISBN-13: 0199546223

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This monograph examines international legal regulation, analyses how it interacts with non-legal factors, and seeks to understand and confront the alleged inherent ambiguity and indeterminacy.


Book Synopsis The Interpretation of Acts and Rules in Public International Law by : Alexander Orakhelashvili

Download or read book The Interpretation of Acts and Rules in Public International Law written by Alexander Orakhelashvili and published by Oxford University Press on Demand. This book was released on 2008 with total page 623 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph examines international legal regulation, analyses how it interacts with non-legal factors, and seeks to understand and confront the alleged inherent ambiguity and indeterminacy.


The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts

The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts

Author: Helmut Philipp Aust

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-01-21

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 0191059412

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The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts assesses the growing role of domestic courts in the interpretation of international law. It asks whether and if so to what extent domestic courts make use of the international rules of interpretation set forth in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Given the expectation that rules of international law are to have a uniform interpretation and application throughout the world, the practice of domestic courts is considerably more diverse. The contributions to this book analyse three key questions: first, whether international law requires a coherent interpretive approach by domestic courts. Second, whether a common or convergent methodological outlook can be found in domestic court practice. Third, whether a common interpretive approach is desirable from a normative perspective. The book identfies a considerable tension between international law's ambition for universal and uniform application and a plurality of different approaches. This tension between unity and diversity is analysed by a group of leading international lawyers from a wide range of geographical, disciplinary and methodological approaches. Drawing on domestic practice of number of jurisdictions including, among others, Colombia, France, Japan, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, the book puts the interpretative practice of domestic courts in a wider context. Its chapters offer doctrinal, practical as well as theoretical perspectives on a central question for international law.


Book Synopsis The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts by : Helmut Philipp Aust

Download or read book The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts written by Helmut Philipp Aust and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016-01-21 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Interpretation of International Law by Domestic Courts assesses the growing role of domestic courts in the interpretation of international law. It asks whether and if so to what extent domestic courts make use of the international rules of interpretation set forth in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Given the expectation that rules of international law are to have a uniform interpretation and application throughout the world, the practice of domestic courts is considerably more diverse. The contributions to this book analyse three key questions: first, whether international law requires a coherent interpretive approach by domestic courts. Second, whether a common or convergent methodological outlook can be found in domestic court practice. Third, whether a common interpretive approach is desirable from a normative perspective. The book identfies a considerable tension between international law's ambition for universal and uniform application and a plurality of different approaches. This tension between unity and diversity is analysed by a group of leading international lawyers from a wide range of geographical, disciplinary and methodological approaches. Drawing on domestic practice of number of jurisdictions including, among others, Colombia, France, Japan, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, the book puts the interpretative practice of domestic courts in a wider context. Its chapters offer doctrinal, practical as well as theoretical perspectives on a central question for international law.


Treaty Interpretation

Treaty Interpretation

Author: Richard K. Gardiner

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 577

ISBN-13: 0199669236

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The rules of treaty interpretation codified in the 'Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties' now apply to virtually all treaties, in an international context as well as within national legal systems, where treaties have an impact on a large and growing range of matters. The rules of treaty interpretation differ somewhat from typical rules for interpreting legal instruments and legislation within national legal systems. Lawyers, administrators, diplomats, and officials at international organisations are increasingly likely to encounter issues of treaty interpretation which require not only knowledge of the relevant rules of interpretation, but also how these rules have been, and are to be, applied in practice. Since the codified rules of treaty interpretation came into decree, there is a considerable body of case-law on their application. This case-law, combined with the history and analysis of the rules of treaty interpretation, provides a basis for understanding this most important task in the application of treaties internationally and within national systems of law. Any lawyer who ever has to consider international matters, and increasingly any lawyer whose work involves domestic legislation with any international connection, is at risk nowadays of encountering a treaty provision which requires interpretation, whether the treaty provision is explicitly in issue or is the source of the relevant domestic legislation. This fully updated new edition features case law from a broader range of jurisdictions, and an account of the work of the International Law Commission in its relation to interpretative declarations. This book provides a guide to interpreting treaties properly in accordance with the modern rules.


Book Synopsis Treaty Interpretation by : Richard K. Gardiner

Download or read book Treaty Interpretation written by Richard K. Gardiner and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2015 with total page 577 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The rules of treaty interpretation codified in the 'Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties' now apply to virtually all treaties, in an international context as well as within national legal systems, where treaties have an impact on a large and growing range of matters. The rules of treaty interpretation differ somewhat from typical rules for interpreting legal instruments and legislation within national legal systems. Lawyers, administrators, diplomats, and officials at international organisations are increasingly likely to encounter issues of treaty interpretation which require not only knowledge of the relevant rules of interpretation, but also how these rules have been, and are to be, applied in practice. Since the codified rules of treaty interpretation came into decree, there is a considerable body of case-law on their application. This case-law, combined with the history and analysis of the rules of treaty interpretation, provides a basis for understanding this most important task in the application of treaties internationally and within national systems of law. Any lawyer who ever has to consider international matters, and increasingly any lawyer whose work involves domestic legislation with any international connection, is at risk nowadays of encountering a treaty provision which requires interpretation, whether the treaty provision is explicitly in issue or is the source of the relevant domestic legislation. This fully updated new edition features case law from a broader range of jurisdictions, and an account of the work of the International Law Commission in its relation to interpretative declarations. This book provides a guide to interpreting treaties properly in accordance with the modern rules.


International Law: A Very Short Introduction

International Law: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Vaughan Lowe

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2015-11-26

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13: 0191576204

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Interest in international law has increased greatly over the past decade, largely because of its central place in discussions such as the Iraq War and Guantanamo, the World Trade Organisation, the anti-capitalist movement, the Kyoto Convention on climate change, and the apparent failure of the international system to deal with the situations in Palestine and Darfur, and the plights of refugees and illegal immigrants around the world. This Very Short Introduction explains what international law is, what its role in international society is, and how it operates. Vaughan Lowe examines what international law can and cannot do and what it is and what it isn't doing to make the world a better place. Focussing on the problems the world faces, Lowe uses terrorism, environmental change, poverty, and international violence to demonstrate the theories and practice of international law, and how the principles can be used for international co-operation.


Book Synopsis International Law: A Very Short Introduction by : Vaughan Lowe

Download or read book International Law: A Very Short Introduction written by Vaughan Lowe and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2015-11-26 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interest in international law has increased greatly over the past decade, largely because of its central place in discussions such as the Iraq War and Guantanamo, the World Trade Organisation, the anti-capitalist movement, the Kyoto Convention on climate change, and the apparent failure of the international system to deal with the situations in Palestine and Darfur, and the plights of refugees and illegal immigrants around the world. This Very Short Introduction explains what international law is, what its role in international society is, and how it operates. Vaughan Lowe examines what international law can and cannot do and what it is and what it isn't doing to make the world a better place. Focussing on the problems the world faces, Lowe uses terrorism, environmental change, poverty, and international violence to demonstrate the theories and practice of international law, and how the principles can be used for international co-operation.


On the Interpretation of Treaties

On the Interpretation of Treaties

Author: Ulf Linderfalk

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-09-11

Total Pages: 429

ISBN-13: 1402063628

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This is the first comprehensive account of the modern international law of treaty interpretation expressed in 1969 Vienna Convention, Articles 31-33. As stated by the anonymous referee, it is the most theoretically advanced and analytically refined work yet accomplished on this topic. The style of writing is clear and concise, and the organisation of the book meets the demands of scholars and practitioners alike.


Book Synopsis On the Interpretation of Treaties by : Ulf Linderfalk

Download or read book On the Interpretation of Treaties written by Ulf Linderfalk and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-09-11 with total page 429 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first comprehensive account of the modern international law of treaty interpretation expressed in 1969 Vienna Convention, Articles 31-33. As stated by the anonymous referee, it is the most theoretically advanced and analytically refined work yet accomplished on this topic. The style of writing is clear and concise, and the organisation of the book meets the demands of scholars and practitioners alike.


International Investment Law and Legal Theory

International Investment Law and Legal Theory

Author: Jörg Kammerhofer

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2021-05-06

Total Pages: 391

ISBN-13: 1108839177

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A theoretical analysis of the structure of expropriation in investment law, investigating the foundations for contemporary scholarship and practice.


Book Synopsis International Investment Law and Legal Theory by : Jörg Kammerhofer

Download or read book International Investment Law and Legal Theory written by Jörg Kammerhofer and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2021-05-06 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A theoretical analysis of the structure of expropriation in investment law, investigating the foundations for contemporary scholarship and practice.