international law

American  

noun

1. the body of rules that nations generally recognize as binding in their conduct toward one another.

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international law British  

noun

1. the body of rules generally recognized by civilized nations as governing their conduct towards each other and towards each other's subjects

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international law Cultural  

1. A body of rules and principles that govern the relations among nations. (See Geneva Conventions and International Court of Justice.)

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Etymology

Origin of international law

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Rules of engagement are typically in place to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties, abide by international law, and prevent friendly-fire incidents.

From Salon

Asked if retaliatory strikes were off the table, she replied: "We will reserve the right for collective self defence under international law."

From BBC

U.N. human rights experts have called for an investigation into whether the attack violated international law.

From Salon

These measures "were not guided by the best interests of the child", and have violated international law, the probe found.

From Barron's

Sri Lanka has denied claims that it was under pressure from Washington to stop the Iranians from returning home, saying Colombo would be guided solely by international law and its own domestic legislation.

From Barron's