Judiciary question bank

International Law MCQs for Judiciary, Page 3

Judiciary International Law questions 48-70 of 235, with answer keys and explanations covering sources, treaties, State responsibility, recognition, jurisdiction, law of the sea, the United Nations, use of force, and human rights.

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Practice judiciary exam MCQs with answers and explanations across substantive law, procedure, evidence, constitutional law, and state judicial service subjects.

  • Air and Space Law4
  • Asylum and Extradition1
  • Diplomatic and Consular Law1
  • Diplomatic Protection2
  • Dispute Settlement3
  • Environmental Law2
  • Extradition and Asylum4
  • Human Rights9
  • Human Rights and Refugee Law3
  • Immunities12
  • International Court of Justice10
  • International Criminal Law14
  • International Economic Law5
  • International Environmental Law5
  • International Humanitarian Law9
  • International Investment Law3
  • International Law and Municipal Law2
  • International Organisations4
  • International Watercourses1
  • Jurisdiction14
  • Law of the Sea22
  • Nationality4
  • Recent Developments5
  • Recognition1
  • Recognition and Non-Recognition1
  • Refugee Law2
  • Self-Determination1
  • Sources of International Law14
  • State Recognition2
  • State Responsibility15
  • State Succession5
  • Statehood and Recognition8
  • Subjects of International Law1
  • Treatment of Aliens1
  • Treaty Law24
  • United Nations10
  • Use of Force11
Question 48HardLaw of the Sea

Continental shelf rights of the coastal state exist:

  1. A

    Only after a private licence is issued.

  2. B

    Only if every neighbouring state consents.

  3. C

    Only in the high seas beyond all legal limits.

  4. D

    Ipso facto and ab initio, without requiring occupation or proclamation.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Ipso facto and ab initio, without requiring occupation or proclamation.

The ICJ has treated continental shelf rights as inherent rights of the coastal state. UNCLOS also recognises sovereign rights over the shelf for exploration and exploitation.

Source note: North Sea Continental Shelf Cases, ICJ 1969; UNCLOS Article 77

Question 49EasyLaw of the Sea

The high seas are governed by the principle that they are:

  1. A

    Open to all states and not subject to appropriation by any state.

  2. B

    Part of the territorial sea of the nearest coastal state.

  3. C

    Owned by the Security Council.

  4. D

    Reserved only for landlocked states.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Open to all states and not subject to appropriation by any state.

Freedom of the high seas includes navigation, overflight, laying cables, and other recognised freedoms, subject to international law.

Source note: UNCLOS Articles 87 and 89

Question 50MediumLaw of the Sea

Piracy under UNCLOS is classically limited by the requirement that the act be committed:

  1. A

    Only in a territorial sea by state officials.

  2. B

    For private ends on the high seas or outside the jurisdiction of any state.

  3. C

    Only by a navy during declared war.

  4. D

    Only against aircraft on land.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. For private ends on the high seas or outside the jurisdiction of any state.

UNCLOS defines piracy through elements including private ends and location on the high seas or outside state jurisdiction. This explains why territorial-sea attacks are treated differently.

Source note: UNCLOS Article 101

Question 51HardLaw of the Sea

The right of hot pursuit requires pursuit to be:

  1. A

    Started at any time after several years.

  2. B

    Exercised only by private fishing vessels.

  3. C

    Commenced while the foreign ship or its boats are within a relevant maritime zone and pursued continuously.

  4. D

    Used to seize ships inside another state port without consent.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Commenced while the foreign ship or its boats are within a relevant maritime zone and pursued continuously.

Hot pursuit is a carefully limited exception to ordinary flag-state jurisdiction. Continuity and proper commencement are essential.

Source note: UNCLOS Article 111

Question 52HardLaw of the Sea

Transit passage through straits used for international navigation is broader than innocent passage because it protects:

  1. A

    Only coastal-state fishing rights.

  2. B

    Complete coastal sovereignty without navigation rights.

  3. C

    A right to stop indefinitely for commercial negotiations.

  4. D

    Continuous and expeditious transit through or over the strait.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Continuous and expeditious transit through or over the strait.

Transit passage reflects the importance of international navigation through straits. It covers passage through and over the strait, subject to UNCLOS conditions.

Source note: UNCLOS Part III

Question 53HardLaw of the Sea

Archipelagic states may draw archipelagic baselines subject to UNCLOS conditions, and other states retain:

  1. A

    Rights such as archipelagic sea lanes passage where applicable.

  2. B

    Complete ownership of all islands.

  3. C

    No navigation rights at all.

  4. D

    Only diplomatic asylum rights.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Rights such as archipelagic sea lanes passage where applicable.

UNCLOS balances archipelagic state interests with international navigation, including archipelagic sea lanes passage.

Source note: UNCLOS Part IV

Question 54EasyAir and Space Law

The basic rule of air law is that each state has complete and exclusive sovereignty over:

  1. A

    All outer space.

  2. B

    Airspace above its territory and territorial sea.

  3. C

    High seas airspace everywhere.

  4. D

    The moon.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Airspace above its territory and territorial sea.

Airspace sovereignty is territorial. Outer space is governed by a different non-appropriation regime.

Source note: Chicago Convention 1944

Question 55MediumAir and Space Law

The Outer Space Treaty is built around the principle that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies:

  1. A

    Can be annexed by the first state to land there.

  2. B

    Is governed only by domestic property law.

  3. C

    Is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty.

  4. D

    May be occupied like terra nullius.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty.

Outer space law rejects national appropriation by sovereignty, use, occupation, or other means. Exploration and use are framed for the benefit of all countries.

Source note: Outer Space Treaty 1967

Question 56HardAir and Space Law

Under the space liability regime, damage caused by a space object on the surface of the Earth generally attracts:

  1. A

    No responsibility of any kind.

  2. B

    Only private insurance rules.

  3. C

    Liability only if the Security Council consents.

  4. D

    Absolute liability of the launching state.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Absolute liability of the launching state.

The Liability Convention applies absolute liability for damage caused on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft in flight, and fault-based liability elsewhere.

Source note: Liability Convention 1972

Question 57MediumInternational Environmental Law

The no-harm principle requires a state to ensure that activities within its jurisdiction or control do not cause:

  1. A

    Significant transboundary environmental harm.

  2. B

    Any economic competition abroad.

  3. C

    Any political disagreement.

  4. D

    All natural changes in climate.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Significant transboundary environmental harm.

The no-harm principle is a foundational environmental norm, reflected in Trail Smelter, Stockholm Principle 21, and Rio Principle 2.

Source note: Trail Smelter Arbitration; Stockholm and Rio principles

Question 58MediumInternational Environmental Law

The precautionary principle is most relevant where:

  1. A

    There is no environmental risk at all.

  2. B

    There is risk of serious or irreversible harm despite scientific uncertainty.

  3. C

    Only a completed treaty breach has occurred.

  4. D

    The dispute concerns diplomatic rank.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. There is risk of serious or irreversible harm despite scientific uncertainty.

Precaution allows regulatory action in the face of uncertainty where the risk of grave environmental harm is serious. Its precise legal status may vary by context.

Source note: Rio Declaration Principle 15

Question 59HardInternational Environmental Law

The ICJ has recognised environmental impact assessment as important where a proposed activity may have:

  1. A

    Only purely domestic symbolic value.

  2. B

    No environmental consequence.

  3. C

    A significant adverse transboundary impact.

  4. D

    Only electoral relevance.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A significant adverse transboundary impact.

In Pulp Mills, the ICJ recognised that conducting an EIA may be required under general international law when there is a risk of significant transboundary harm.

Source note: Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay, ICJ 2010

Question 60EasyInternational Organisations

The Reparation for Injuries advisory opinion is important because it recognised that the United Nations:

  1. A

    Is a sovereign state with territory.

  2. B

    Has no legal capacity at all.

  3. C

    Can ignore its Charter.

  4. D

    Possesses international legal personality necessary to perform its functions.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Possesses international legal personality necessary to perform its functions.

The ICJ held that the UN has international personality and may bring claims where necessary for the performance of its functions.

Source note: Reparation for Injuries, ICJ Advisory Opinion 1949

Question 61MediumInternational Organisations

The implied powers doctrine means that an international organisation may have powers:

  1. A

    Reasonably necessary to perform functions conferred by its constitutive instrument.

  2. B

    Unlimited in every field of law.

  3. C

    Identical to a state in all respects.

  4. D

    Created only by private donors.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Reasonably necessary to perform functions conferred by its constitutive instrument.

Implied powers help an organisation perform its assigned functions. They do not turn the organisation into a general sovereign.

Source note: Reparation for Injuries, ICJ Advisory Opinion 1949

Question 62EasyUnited Nations

The Security Council has primary responsibility under the UN Charter for:

  1. A

    Registration of private marriages.

  2. B

    Maintenance of international peace and security.

  3. C

    Administration of all domestic courts.

  4. D

    Direct election of national governments.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Maintenance of international peace and security.

Article 24 of the UN Charter gives the Security Council primary responsibility for international peace and security.

Source note: UN Charter Article 24

Question 63MediumUnited Nations

A binding Security Council decision under Chapter VII is especially important because UN members agree to:

  1. A

    Treat all General Assembly resolutions as treaties.

  2. B

    Leave the UN immediately.

  3. C

    Accept and carry out decisions of the Security Council under the Charter.

  4. D

    Suspend all domestic law automatically.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Accept and carry out decisions of the Security Council under the Charter.

Article 25, read with Chapter VII powers, gives Security Council decisions binding force where the Council acts within its authority.

Source note: UN Charter Articles 25 and 39 to 42

Question 64MediumUnited Nations

The General Assembly generally issues recommendations rather than binding decisions, but its resolutions may still be important because they:

  1. A

    Always amend the UN Charter.

  2. B

    Operate as final judgments in every dispute.

  3. C

    Create diplomatic immunity for private persons.

  4. D

    Reflect political legitimacy, institutional practice, and sometimes evidence of opinio juris.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Reflect political legitimacy, institutional practice, and sometimes evidence of opinio juris.

General Assembly resolutions are generally recommendatory, but they can shape expectations, codification, and customary-law analysis.

Source note: UN Charter Articles 10 to 14; UN practice

Question 65HardUnited Nations

The Uniting for Peace procedure is associated with General Assembly action when:

  1. A

    The Security Council is blocked by lack of unanimity among permanent members.

  2. B

    The ICJ refuses advisory jurisdiction in every case.

  3. C

    A treaty has no preamble.

  4. D

    A private commercial dispute arises.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The Security Council is blocked by lack of unanimity among permanent members.

Uniting for Peace allows the General Assembly to recommend collective measures where the Security Council fails to act because of permanent-member disagreement.

Source note: General Assembly Resolution 377(V)

Question 66MediumUnited Nations

Classical UN peacekeeping is commonly associated with consent, impartiality, and:

  1. A

    Unrestricted offensive war.

  2. B

    Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.

  3. C

    Annexation of territory.

  4. D

    Private enforcement of contracts.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.

Peacekeeping developed pragmatically and is not identical to enforcement action. Consent, impartiality, and limited force remain central baseline ideas.

Source note: UN peacekeeping doctrine

Question 67EasyDispute Settlement

Article 33 of the UN Charter lists peaceful means of dispute settlement including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and:

  1. A

    Forced annexation.

  2. B

    Collective punishment.

  3. C

    Resort to regional agencies or arrangements.

  4. D

    Private retaliation against civilians.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Resort to regional agencies or arrangements.

Article 33 requires parties to disputes likely to endanger peace to seek peaceful settlement by listed methods or other peaceful means of their choice.

Source note: UN Charter Article 33

Question 68EasyInternational Court of Justice

The ICJ can decide a contentious case only where:

  1. A

    A private person files a complaint.

  2. B

    The General Assembly automatically orders a judgment.

  3. C

    The dispute is discussed in the media.

  4. D

    The states concerned have consented to its jurisdiction through a recognised basis.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. The states concerned have consented to its jurisdiction through a recognised basis.

Consent is the foundation of ICJ contentious jurisdiction. Consent may arise by special agreement, compromissory clause, optional clause declaration, or forum prorogatum.

Source note: ICJ Statute Articles 36 and 40

Question 69MediumInternational Court of Justice

An ICJ advisory opinion differs from a contentious judgment because it is:

  1. A

    Given to authorised UN organs or agencies on legal questions rather than between consenting states as parties.

  2. B

    Issued only by domestic courts.

  3. C

    Always criminal in nature.

  4. D

    Automatically a treaty amendment.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Given to authorised UN organs or agencies on legal questions rather than between consenting states as parties.

Advisory opinions are requested by authorised bodies. They are not contentious judgments between states, though they may carry great legal and political weight.

Source note: ICJ Statute Article 65; UN Charter Article 96

Question 70MediumInternational Court of Justice

Provisional measures indicated by the ICJ are designed to:

  1. A

    Replace the final judgment.

  2. B

    Preserve rights pending final determination of the dispute.

  3. C

    Punish a party criminally.

  4. D

    Confer nationality on individuals.

View answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Preserve rights pending final determination of the dispute.

Provisional measures prevent irreparable prejudice and preserve rights while the Court considers jurisdiction and merits.

Source note: ICJ Statute Article 41

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