The International Court of Justice - is the principal juridical organ of the United Nations. 

The Court has a twofold function:

• the settlement of disputes between states on the basis of international law.  
• the delivery of advisory opinions on legal questions at the request of specifically authorized international organs.

It is to be noted that, according to its Statute, art.34(1), the International Court of Justice has jurisdiction only over disputes between states, not over individual guilt or innocence for violations of international codes of conduct.  

The International Court of Justice is the only main organ of the United Nations located outside New York - its seat is at the Peace Palace in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Composition

The Court is composed of 15 permanent judges from different parts of the world. They are elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council for a term of 9 years. Every 3 years five judges are elected. They hold their position in their personal capacity, although there have been geopolitical considerations - four of five of the permanent members of the Security Council has had a judge in the Court.

Programme of work

The Court usually holds plenary meetings, but it may from time to time form one or more chambers composed of three or more judges. A judgement given by any of the chambers shall be considered as rendered by the Court. The Court's decisions are binding on the parties.