What's so Special About Jus Cogens? On the Disinction between the Ordinary and the Peremptory International Law

Posted: 11 Dec 2010

See all articles by Ulf Linderfalk

Ulf Linderfalk

Lund University - Faculty of Law

Date Written: December 8, 2010

Abstract

International lawyers distinguish between jus cogens and ordinary international law. This language raises questions about the distinguishing quality of jus cogens norms. What, exactly, is it about jus cogens that distinguishes it from ordinary international law? In attempting to answer this question, international lawyers usually resort to the “the Legal-Consequences-as-Criterion Theory”: while ordinary international law can be rebutted or modified in accordance with the duly expressed will of states, jus cogens norms will permit no derogation and will allow modification only by the creation of a new norm having the same character. Due to the matter explained, this Theory has a very strong influence on the understanding of the international legal system; this is why the present essay submits it to analysis and assessment. Part I inquires into the relationship between the Legal-Consequences-as-Criterion Theory and the general definition of jus cogens reflected in Article 53 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. As argued, Article 53 is entirely reliant upon the validity of the Legal-Consequences-as-Criterion Theory. Part II inquires into the soundness of this same Theory. As argued, the Theory does not provide good reasons for the distinction between jus cogens and ordinary international law.

Keywords: International law, jus cogens, peremptory international law, legal concepts, 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties

JEL Classification: K33

Suggested Citation

Linderfalk, Ulf, What's so Special About Jus Cogens? On the Disinction between the Ordinary and the Peremptory International Law (December 8, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1722183

Ulf Linderfalk (Contact Author)

Lund University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Box 207
Lund, SE-22100
Sweden

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