Strengthening International Courts

The Hidden Costs of Legalization

Subjects: Political Science, Political Economy, International Relations
Paperback : 9780472052608, 240 pages, 13 tables, 17 figures, 6 x 9, January 2015
Hardcover : 9780472072606, 240 pages, 13 tables, 17 figures, 6 x 9, January 2015
Ebook : 9780472121014, 240 pages, 13 tables, 17 figures, March 2015
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An investigation of the ways in which the strength of international courts affects dispute settlement, compliance, and the stability of the international economic and political system

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Description

As all manner of commerce becomes increasingly global, states must establish laws to protect property rights, human rights, and national security. In many cases, states delegate authority to resolve disputes regarding these laws to an independent court, whose power depends upon its ability to enforce its rulings.
Examining detailed case studies of the International Court of Justice and the transition from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to the World Trade Organization, Leslie Johns finds that a court’s design has nuanced and mixed effects on international cooperation. A strong court is ideal when laws are precise and the court is nested within a political structure like the European Union. Strong courts encourage litigation but make states more likely to comply with agreements when compliance is easy and withdraw from agreements when it is difficult. A weak court is optimal when law is imprecise and states can easily exit agreements with minimal political or economic repercussions. Johns concludes the book with recommendations for promoting cooperation by creating more precise international laws and increasing both delegation and obligation to international courts. 

Leslie Johns is Assistant Professor of Political Science at UCLA and a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.