IPC1501
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 23 APRIL 2026
, IPC1501 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 23 APRIL 2026
SECTION A: Short Questions
1.1 Provide two different definitions of international law from your study material,
identifying the scholar associated with each definition.
According to Brierly (1980, cited in Study Guide, p. 80), international law may be
defined as the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilised
states in their relations with one another. In contrast, Akehurst (1982, cited in Study
Guide, p. 80) defines international law as the system of law which governs relations
between states.
1.2 In your own words, explain why international law does not have a single
universally accepted definition.
International law does not have a single universally accepted definition primarily
because it is a contested and multidimensional field. The subjects of international law
are no longer exclusively states; individuals and international organisations are also
considered subjects with rights and obligations, which complicates any simple definition
(Study Guide, p. 79). Furthermore, a deep theoretical tension exists between natural
law and positivist theories. Natural law argues that law is derived from morality and
reason, while positivism insists that law is based solely on the consent of states. This
fundamental disagreement over the source of law’s authority prevents scholars from
agreeing on a unified definition (Study Guide, p. 81).
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 23 APRIL 2026
, IPC1501 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 23 APRIL 2026
SECTION A: Short Questions
1.1 Provide two different definitions of international law from your study material,
identifying the scholar associated with each definition.
According to Brierly (1980, cited in Study Guide, p. 80), international law may be
defined as the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilised
states in their relations with one another. In contrast, Akehurst (1982, cited in Study
Guide, p. 80) defines international law as the system of law which governs relations
between states.
1.2 In your own words, explain why international law does not have a single
universally accepted definition.
International law does not have a single universally accepted definition primarily
because it is a contested and multidimensional field. The subjects of international law
are no longer exclusively states; individuals and international organisations are also
considered subjects with rights and obligations, which complicates any simple definition
(Study Guide, p. 79). Furthermore, a deep theoretical tension exists between natural
law and positivist theories. Natural law argues that law is derived from morality and
reason, while positivism insists that law is based solely on the consent of states. This
fundamental disagreement over the source of law’s authority prevents scholars from
agreeing on a unified definition (Study Guide, p. 81).
