World Court

Purpose: to settle in accordance with international law the legal disputes submitted to it by different countries, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized international organs and agencies..

Date of Origin: April 18,1946

Director: President Stephen M. Schwebel (United States of America)

Staff: 4,000 people

Structure: The Court is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council sitting independently of each other. It may not include more than one judge of any nationality. Elections are held every three years for one-third of the seats, and retiring judges may be re-elected. The Members of the Court do not represent their governments but are independent magistrates.

Location: The Hauge, Netherlands

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