Discuss the basis for international law and describe the function of its central institutions.

International law was developed primarily as law related to the relations and disputes between sovereign states rather than law concerning individuals or businesses within states. A large number of treaties as well as customary practices have formed the basis of much international law. The International Court of Justice, an organ of the United Nations, hears cases that countries with a dispute submit to it. Only a small proportion of states have accepted the jurisdiction of the ICJ on all disputes and the ICJ does not generally have the means to enforce its decisions. In 2002 the International Criminal Court was established in The Hague, Netherlands as a permanent court to deal with the most serious cases involving the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes that have not be prosecuted effectively by a national court. There are a number of other international courts and tribunals that deal with issues such as human rights, trade, and investment.