The International Court of Justice (ICJ), often referred to as the World Court, is composed of fifteen judges elected for terms of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. These judges are chosen based on their qualifications and without regard to their nationality, ensuring a representative balance of the world's principal legal systems and geographic regions.
The International Court of Justice: A Global Judiciary
Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN. Its role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The integrity and impartiality of its judges are paramount to its function.
Current Composition of the Court
As of 2024, the distinguished individuals listed below serve as judges on the International Court of Justice. They bring a wealth of experience from diverse legal backgrounds and nations, reflecting the global nature of international law.
| Name | Country | Election Year (Term End) |
|---|---|---|
| Nawaf Salam (President) | Lebanon | 2018 (2027) |
| Julia Sebutinde (Vice-Pres.) | Uganda | 2015, re-elected 2024 (2033) |
| Peter Tomka | Slovakia | 2003, re-elected 2012, 2021 (2030) |
| Ronny Abraham | France | 2005, re-elected 2015, 2024 (2033) |
| Mohamed Bennouna | Morocco | 2006, re-elected 2015, 2024 (2033) |
| Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf | Somalia | 2009, re-elected 2018 (2027) |
| Xue Hanqin | China | 2010, re-elected 2012, 2021 (2030) |
| Georg Nolte | Germany | 2021 (2030) |
| Kirill Gevorgian | Russian Federation | 2015, re-elected 2024 (2033) |
| Hilary Charlesworth | Australia | 2021 (2030) |
| Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant | Brazil | 2022 (2031) |
| Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo | Mexico | 2024 (2033) |
| Sarah Hull Cleveland | United States of America | 2024 (2033) |
| Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu | Romania | 2024 (2033) |
| Yuji Iwasawa | Japan | 2018, re-elected 2021 (2030) |
This roster of judges represents the current composition, with individuals like Hilary Charlesworth from Australia (elected in 2021) and Sarah Hull Cleveland from the United States of America (elected in 2024) playing crucial roles in the Court's proceedings.
The Election Process and Judicial Independence
Judges of the ICJ are elected by both the General Assembly and the Security Council, acting independently. To be elected, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority of votes in both bodies. This dual election process helps ensure that judges are selected based on merit and broad international consensus. Once elected, judges serve for nine-year terms and may be re-elected. They act as independent magistrates, not as representatives of their home countries.
Qualifications and Representation
Candidates for the ICJ must possess high moral character and qualify for the highest judicial offices in their respective countries, or be jurisconsults of recognized competence in international law. The Court's Statute specifically mandates that the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world should be represented in its composition. This ensures a diverse perspective on complex international legal issues.
Historical Figures on the Bench
Over its long history, many distinguished legal minds have served on the ICJ, contributing to the development of international law. Figures such as James Richard Crawford (Australia, 2015-2021) and Roberto Córdova (Mexico, 1955-1964) are among those who have served previous terms, shaping the Court's jurisprudence and its standing as a pillar of global justice. The continuity of distinguished jurists ensures the Court's enduring legacy and expertise.
