For questions about the body of law known as "international law," the interaction of two or more sovereign states, including agreements and laws between them, customary international law, and disputes of jurisdiction for civil or criminal matters.
Public international law
Public international law is concerned with the interaction of sovereign states, the treaties and agreements between them, as well as customary international law and jus cogens or peremtory norms.
International law is a well-specified subfield of law in academia and in practice.
Several Q&As on this site address the nature of international law:
- What gives rise to binding obligations at international law?
- What does it mean for international law to be binding? What is the nature of obligation at international law?
Many activities today are possible only due to international treaties. International mail, international flights, and international telephone calls are possible only due to the agreements between sovereign states that allow their carriage.
Private international law
Private international law somewhat of a misnomer (although admittedly does have usefulness as a term). It refers primarily to the conflict of laws, and the determination of jurisdiction over a dispute between private parties.
