Sources of International Law and Their Implementation

What exactly is law, and how is international law conducted? Law is a set of commands, rules, and regulations that are set to govern a particular society. These commands should be communicated from one person to another to ensure that each and every person has a clear understanding. They are usually authoritative and are issued by an individual, body or an institution. International law on the other hand entails a set of commands widely accepted among nations to govern their activities e.g. international law on pollution that restrict certain acts among all nations that may lead to environmental pollution.

Sources of International law

Sources entail material and processes through which rules and regulations governing a specific society are developed. They have many factors that influence their development process ranging from political, social, and economical theories. These factors include:

1. The Statute of the International Court of Justice

According to article 38 of the statute that states that, the court should apply the following in deciding dispute-settling measures

- The international conventions that entails establishment of rules that are well recognized by all contesting states

- The international customs to represent the general practice and conduct usually accepted as law

- All general principles recognized by civilized nations

- The judicial decisions of qualified publicist of the various involved nations

2. Conventions and treaties

Treaties are agreement between two or more nations on particular procedures. They cover a wide scope of human life ranging from political, social, economic, and family issues. Signing of a treaty shows that the state accepts to comply with the treaties provision in good faith. They are usually voluntary undertaking which signify being bound to a commitment and creating reliance interest to related parties.

3. Customs as source of international law

They are accepted if; the behavior is widespread among states, practices are followed for an insignificant period, and if practitioners as required by law. They are many problems in deciding whether the customary law is widespread among states or has sufficient duration in time. This however requires that the application of customary law be tested to reconcile the universality of rights and obligations among states.

4. General principles of law

It is intended to incorporate the principles of law, which states that wrongs should have consequences, defendants, and claimants. They state that, whoever does wrong have the right to defend them. Therefore these principles are brought together to form a commonly accepted law.

Bruce Karatz's Efforts Help Homeboy Industries Tremendously

Bruce Karatz knew in his heart that he just had to do something about the financial problems that Homeboy Industries (a non-profit that helps ex-gang members to find jobs) were having. The KB Home CEO decided that the best way to bring in some money for the very innovative and life-changing organization was to do what he knew best - help create businesses and products that supported and reflected it, all the way down to its name.

For example, when they are at American Airlines LAX and walk past busy Terminal 4, many passengers know that getting a quick bite to eat at Homeboys Café and Bakery will be helping a gang member to stay out of prison and continue on a more progressive and legal way of life. Although that may be the most important reason to swing by for some grub, it's not the only reason... the other is that food there is outstanding! Your sense of smell will be enticed by the aroma of tasty wraps, fresh salads, warm pastries, and delicious sandwiches as you near the restaurant. The convenient location to the terminal (another loved feature of the place) has many customers inquiring about more establishments being created, including one lady named Pam Rector. Her comments on the Homeboy Facebook page read "Is there a plan to have a Homeboy Café in Terminal 7? That would be heavenly on our way in and out of the airport!"

The Homeboy franchise is mostly known by that particular name, but the diner at LA's City Hall (a much needed one) was actually traced after the popular Homegirl Café, located at 130 Bruno Street. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has visited and enjoyed the great food there, dining and chatting with Homeboy Industries loved founder Jesuit priest Father Gregory Boyle.

Bruce Katratz's support and dedication to these and all of the other parts of the franchise (including Homeboy Baked Goods, which are dispersed all over the U.S. to about 30 smooth-running farmers markets) has assisted greatly in pulling it out of its near $5 million debt that was accumulated a few years ago. He knows that the employees there have had a hard past to say the least, with some who were previously affiliated with various street gangs and have been in and out prison a lot of their lives. They are now more than happy for the opportunity to work for the company, and are looking forward to much safer, more positive, and very fulfilling futures.

Six Great Ways to Celebrate International Women's Day

Every year on March 8, the world observes International Women's Day, a celebration of women's rights and achievements in various fields. It's a great day to recognize the important women in our lives, and to say "thank you" for their sacrifices and hard work that we sometimes tend to take for granted. Here are a few simple yet significant ways you can participate in the festivities.

1. Bridge the gap.

The "Join Me on the Bridge" campaign began as a joint effort for the women of Congo and Rwanda. It has since become an annual event all over the globe, going hand-in-hand with International Women's Day. This year, thousands of people from different parts of the world - women and men, young and old - are expected to pick up their signs and banners and march across bridges, joining one another in the quest for peace and a brighter future for women.

2. Give gifts (or send cards) to the women in your life.

Give something special to the women who have played a significant role in your life - your wife, your mother, your sister, or your best friend. A simple token of appreciation would suffice. Write a letter, send a card, or buy them flowers or sweets - it's not so much the kind of gift as the amount of love and gratitude behind it that matters.

3. Extend support to a charity or awareness group.

If you have cash to spare, why not donate to a women's cause group or charity foundation? If you don't have money, that's not a problem; you can also volunteer your services (perhaps in helping to organize events or designing promotional materials) even for just a couple of days. There are so many ways to give and so many great causes to support.

4. Spend time with the special ladies in your life.

Take some time off from your busy schedule and go have coffee or dinner with the women in your life whom you hardly get to spend quality moments with. In some ways, that's better than just sending them a gift or card. Make them feel that they truly matter to you by personally reconnecting with them.

5. Be informed.

Read up on your history and learn about the outstanding women who have proven their abilities and accomplished much over the past few decades. Go online and educate yourself about the ongoing struggle for women's equality in various parts of the world, and why active participation is a must.

6. Go to one of the International Women's Day events in your area.

Check out the official International Women's Day 2014 web page and take a look at the scheduled art exhibits, lectures, and luncheons in your area that aim to celebrate the movement.

Edward is a marketing and advertising specialist for various large scale companies around the world. As part to market the businesses, he is managing contents across platforms to secure online visibility and value.