, IPC1501 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026
DUE DATE 23 APRIL 2026
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of International Law
International law has been defined in different ways by various scholars. Lassa Oppenheim
defines international law as a body of rules that are legally binding upon states in their
interactions with one another (Oppenheim, 1905). In contrast, Malcolm Shaw expands this
definition by stating that international law consists of rules and principles governing not only
states but also international organisations and, in certain cases, individuals (Shaw, 2017).
1.2 Lack of a Universal Definition of International Law
International law does not have a single universally accepted definition because of disagreements
about its scope, subjects, and theoretical foundations. Traditionally, states were regarded as the
primary subjects of international law, but modern developments recognise individuals and
international organisations as participants, which broadens its scope. Furthermore, the tension
between natural law and positivist theory contributes to this lack of consensus. Natural law
theorists argue that international law is based on universal moral principles, while positivists
maintain that it is derived strictly from the consent of states. These differing perspectives lead to
varying interpretations of what international law entails (Shaw, 2017).
DUE DATE 23 APRIL 2026
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of International Law
International law has been defined in different ways by various scholars. Lassa Oppenheim
defines international law as a body of rules that are legally binding upon states in their
interactions with one another (Oppenheim, 1905). In contrast, Malcolm Shaw expands this
definition by stating that international law consists of rules and principles governing not only
states but also international organisations and, in certain cases, individuals (Shaw, 2017).
1.2 Lack of a Universal Definition of International Law
International law does not have a single universally accepted definition because of disagreements
about its scope, subjects, and theoretical foundations. Traditionally, states were regarded as the
primary subjects of international law, but modern developments recognise individuals and
international organisations as participants, which broadens its scope. Furthermore, the tension
between natural law and positivist theory contributes to this lack of consensus. Natural law
theorists argue that international law is based on universal moral principles, while positivists
maintain that it is derived strictly from the consent of states. These differing perspectives lead to
varying interpretations of what international law entails (Shaw, 2017).
