2. Sources of Public International Law
The sources of public international law are diverse and include:
2.1 Treaties and Agreements
Treaties are written agreements between two or more nations, and they play a crucial role in shaping international relations. Treaties can address various subjects, such as trade, defense, human rights, and environmental protection. When a nation enters into a treaty, it voluntarily agrees to abide by its terms, which creates binding obligations.
2.2 Customary International Law
Customary international law is derived from the consistent and widespread practice of states over time, driven by a belief that such actions are legally obligatory. Customary law evolves through the repetitive conduct of states and gains recognition as law when it is accepted as such by the international community.