Ad hoc judges

- any party to a contentious(спорный) case can nominate a judge of their choice to participate fully in the case and the deliberations(размышления), along with the permanent bench

- 17 judges are possible to sit on one case

Chambers (Судейские коллегии)

Court can form smaller chambers, usually 3 or 5 judges, to hear cases (chambers for special categories of cases and ad hoc chambers to hear particular disputes).

The hearing is open to the public.

Sources of law:

- int. conventions

- int. custom

- ‘general principles of law recognized by civilized nations’

- academic writing and previous judicial decisions to help interpret the law

(but not formally bound by previous decisions)

- decision ex aequo et bono – " in justice and fairness " if granted by parties

(equitable(беспристрасный) decision based on what is fair under the circumstances)

The decision of the Court is adopted by majority vote, the President of the Court having a casting vote in the event of a tie., the judgment is ‘final and without appeal

Procedure

- 9 judges constitute a quorum

- questions decided by majority of judges present

- hearings may be held in Hague or elsewhere

- court may render judgment in certain disputes between states