Brierly's Law of Nations

This concise book is an introduction to the role of international law in international relations. Written for lawyers and non-lawyers alike, the book first appeared in 1928 and attracted a wide readership. This new edition builds on Brierly's scholarship and his idea that law must serve a social purpose. Previous editions of The Law of Nations have been the standard introduction to international law for decades, and are widely popular in many different countries due to the simplicity and brevity of the prose style. Providing a comprehensive overview of international law, this new version of the classic book retains the original qualities and is again essential reading for all those interested in learning what role the law plays in international affairs. The reader will find chapters on traditional and contemporary topics such as: the basis of international obligation, the role of the UN and the International Criminal Court, the emergence of new states, the acquisition of territory, the principles covering national jurisdiction and immunities, the law of treaties, the different ways of settling international disputes, and the rules on resort to force and the prohibition of aggression. ...an inspired and very impressive work indeed. If the chief qualities which made Brierly stand out were its straightforward and fluent prose, a balanced choice of topics discussed, and above the hopeful and humane - yet unfailingly sober - assessment of the role of international law in the world community by which the analysis was underlain, then these qualities have been admirably preserved and in fact honed to perfection. Eirik Bjorge, Law Quarterly ReviewPreface To The First Edition ; Preface To The Seventh Edition ; 1. The Origins of International Law ; 2. The Basis of Obligation In International Law ; 3. The Legal Organization of International Society ; 4. States ; 5. The Territory of States ; 6. Jurisdiction ; 7. Treaties ; 8. International Disputes and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security ; 9. Resort to Force