The Advisory Function of the International Court of Justice 1946 - 2005

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the advisory role of the International Court of Justice in light of its jurisprudence and overall contribution over a period of more than 55 years. The author highlights the "organic connection" between UN organs and the Court and the Court's contribution as one of the UN's principal organs to the Organisation. The basic argument of this study is that the advisory function should be understood as a two-sided process involving the interplay between UN organs and the ICJ. The request for and the giving of an advisory opinion is a collective coordinated process, involving more than one organ or part of the Organisation.

The Advisory Function of the International Court of Justice in an Historical Context.- The Advisory Jurisdiction of the ICJ: Compilance with Requests and the Court's Discretion in Giving Advisory Opinions.- The Role of the ICJ as the Principal Judicial Organ of the UN and the Implications of This Role for the Court's Advisory Function.- The Judicial Character of the ICJ's Advisory Function and the Problem of Consent.- Procedural Aspects of the Advisory Function of the ICJ.- The Contribution of Advisory Opinions to the Development of the Law of International Institutions and to Public International Law.- The Attitude of United Nations Member States Toward the Use of the Advisory Procedure.- The Reception of Advisory Opinions.- The Advisory Function of the ICJ: Concerns, Limitations and Future Role.