Legitimacy and International Courts

An interdisciplinary volume exploring the concept of legitimacy in relation to international courts and what can drive and weaken it.

This volume provides interdisciplinary insights into international courts' legitimacy. Experts analyse the drivers of legitimacy of specific courts and how these might differ by the court concerned, as well as the links between legitimacy and democracy, justice and effectiveness. It will appeal to scholars, practitioners, reformers and students of ICs.One of the most noted developments in international law over the past twenty years is the proliferation of international courts and tribunals. They decide who has the right to exploit natural resources, define the scope of human rights, delimit international boundaries and determine when the use of force is prohibited. As the number and influence of international courts grow, so too do challenges to their legitimacy. This volume provides new interdisciplinary insights into international courts' legitimacy: what drives and undermines the legitimacy of these bodies? How do drivers change depending on the court concerned? What is the link between legitimacy, democracy, effectiveness and justice? Top international experts analyse legitimacy for specific international courts, as well as the links between legitimacy and cross-cutting themes. Failure to understand and respond to legitimacy concerns can endanger both the courts and the law they interpret and apply.