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TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC LUẬT TP.HCM

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GROUP 1
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
Giảng viên : ThS. Chung Lê Hồng Ân
Lớp : CLCQTL47B
Sinh viên : Tô Gia Hưng 2253401020084
Cao Ngọc Diệu My 2253401020135
Nguyễn Phương Nam 2253401020139
Đỗ Uyên Ngọc 2253401020156
Hồ Hoàng Phúc Thịnh 2253401020234
Lê Ngọc Mai Thy 2253401020251
Huỳnh Anh Tuấn 2253401020283

Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, năm 2023-2024

2 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL LAW

50 QUESTIONS:

1. In the following options, which one is not a principle of self-determination?

A) The right to determine their political and economic destiny
B) The right to separate and become an independent nation
C) The right to control natural resources
D) The right to equality among nations
Answer: D
Explanation: Although the right to equality among nations is an important principle in
international law, it is not a specific principle of self-determination but rather a general
concept of fairness and respect among nations. Self-determination primarily relates to
the right to choose political systems and development.

2. Which of the following is a primary source of international law?

A) Decisions of national courts.
B) International treaties.
C) Law review articles.
D) National legislation.
Answer: B
Explanation: Treaties are considered a primary source under Article 38 of the ICJ
Statute.

3. In which of the following cases can a party request the application of the
principle of "rebus sic stantibus" to modify or terminate a contract?
A) When the market price of goods increases, but the contract can still be performed.
B) When one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations by the specified time.
C) When a natural disaster occurs, making the performance of the contract impossible
or unreasonable.
D) When one party wants to change the terms of the contract for their own benefit.
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of "rebus sic stantibus" allows for the adjustment or
termination of a contract when there is a fundamental change in circumstances;

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therefore, a natural disaster constitutes a fundamental change, while the other cases do
not.

4. The right to self-determination includes the ability to choose to change a

country’s political system without altering its territorial boundaries. (True/False)
Answer: True
Explanation: The right to self-determination allows a people to change their country’s
political system, such as transitioning from autocracy to democracy, without necessarily
altering territorial boundaries. This right primarily focuses on reshaping governance
structures to reflect the aspirations of the people, rather than involving territorial
changes.

5. A people has the right to self-determination even when it conflicts with the
territorial integrity of the state to which they belong. (True/False)
Answer: False
Explanation: While the right to self-determination is recognized in international law,
it must often be balanced against the principle of territorial integrity of states. Self-
determination does not automatically negate territorial boundaries, especially when the
state respects the autonomy of its peoples.

6. What is "jus cogens"?

A) Customary international law.
B) A non-derogable norm of international law.
C) A treaty provision.
D) A type of international court.
Answer: B
Explanation: Jus cogens are fundamental norms that cannot be violated, such as
prohibitions on genocide and slavery.

7. Which of the following is an example of a jus cogens norm?

A) Freedom of speech.
B) Prohibition of torture.
C) Right to education.

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D) Sovereign immunity.
Answer: B
Explanation: The prohibition of torture is universally accepted as a non-derogable
norm.

8. Which of the following principles is recognized as a key principle of

international law?
A) Territorial sovereignty.
B) Absolute freedom.
C) Subordination to international organizations.
D) Hierarchical supremacy of powerful states.
Answer: A
Explanation: The principle of territorial sovereignty ensures that states control their
own territory.

9. Which document is most often referred to as the "constitution" of international

law?
A) The United Nations Charter.
B) The Treaty of Versailles.
C) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
D) The Geneva Conventions.
Answer: A
Explanation: The UN Charter establishes the framework for modern international
relations and law.

10. The concept of "sovereign equality" in international law means:

A) All states have the same size and resources.
B) All states, regardless of size, have equal rights under international law.
C) Powerful states have more legal rights.
D) Small states must defer to larger states.
Answer: B

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Explanation: The principle of sovereign equality means that all states have equal legal
standing, irrespective of power.

11. The primary purpose of the United Nations is:

A) To promote international peace and security.
B) To regulate trade among nations.
C) To establish a global legal system.
D) To create a global government.
Answer: A
Explanation: The main goal of the UN, as stated in its charter, is to maintain
international peace and security.

12. Which of the following is NOT a recognized method of settling international

disputes?
A) Negotiation.
B) Mediation.
C) Invasion.
D) Arbitration.
Answer: C
Explanation: Invasion is not a legitimate or legal means of resolving disputes under
international law.

13. The principle that states must consent to be bound by a treaty is known as:
A) Sovereign equality.
B) Pacta sunt servanda.
C) Consent to jurisdiction.
D) Treaty reservation.
Answer: B
Explanation: Pacta sunt servanda means that agreements must be kept, but only if a
state consents to be bound.

14. Which international agreement governs diplomatic relations between states?

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A) The Geneva Conventions.

B) The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
C) The Treaty of Westphalia.
D) The Rome Statute.
Answer: B
Explanation: The Vienna Convention sets out the framework for diplomatic immunity
and relations between states.

15. Which of the following principles refers to a state’s right to non-intervention

in its internal affairs?
A) Territorial integrity.
B) Sovereignty.
C) Non-intervention.
D) International cooperation.
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of non-intervention is a core element of state sovereignty.

16. What is the principle of "universal jurisdiction" in international law?

A) The idea that international law applies only within a state's territory.
B) The ability of a state to exercise legal authority beyond its borders in specific cases.
C) The right of the United Nations to impose its laws universally.
D) The exclusive right of states to prosecute crimes within their borders.
Answer: B
Explanation: Universal jurisdiction allows states to prosecute certain crimes (like
genocide or piracy) regardless of where they occur or the nationality of the accused.

17. Which of the following is considered a secondary source of international law?

A) Treaties.
B) Customary international law.
C) Judicial decisions.
D) General principles of law.
Answer: C

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Explanation: Judicial decisions are secondary sources of international law, providing

interpretations but not primary rules.

18. Which principle of international law allows states to grant immunity from the
jurisdiction of domestic courts to foreign diplomats?
A) Sovereignty.
B) Diplomatic immunity.
C) Territorial integrity.
D) Non-refoulement.
Answer: B
Explanation: Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law that ensures
foreign diplomats are granted immunity from the jurisdiction of the host country's
domestic courts, as established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

19. Which international body is primarily responsible for the maintenance of

international peace and security?
A) The International Criminal Court (ICC).
B) The United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
C) The International Court of Justice (ICJ).
D) The World Trade Organization (WTO).
Answer: B
Explanation: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is primarily responsible
for maintaining international peace and security, and it has the authority to impose
sanctions, authorize the use of force, and take other measures to address threats to peace.

20. Which of the following is a key feature of "soft law" in international law?
A) It is legally binding on all states.
B) It consists of guidelines or principles that are not legally enforceable.
C) It requires ratification by a majority of states.
D) It automatically becomes customary international law after a set period
Answer: B

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Explanation: "Soft law" in international law typically consists of guidelines,

principles, or declarations that are not legally binding but can influence the behavior
of states.

21. What is the principle of "non-refoulement" in international law?

A) The prohibition on states to deport individuals to countries where they may face
persecution.
B) The right of a state to control its borders.
C) The requirement for states to grant asylum to refugees.
D) The obligation of states to accept returning nationals.
Answer: A
Explanation: The principle of non-refoulement, which is a cornerstone of international
refugee law, prohibits states from deporting or returning individuals to a country where
they may face threats of persecution based on race, religion, nationality,…

22. Which international principle restricts states from recognizing territorial

acquisitions achieved through the use of force?
A) Principle of self-determination.
B) Principle of uti possidetis juris.
C) Principle of non-recognition.
D) Principle of humanitarian intervention.
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of non-recognition dictates that states should not recognize
territorial acquisitions or changes in status achieved through the use of force, as it
violates the prohibition on the use of force under international law. This principle is
intended to prevent the legitimization of territorial conquests.

23.Which international legal principle requires states to protect the environment

during armed conflict?
A) Principle of proportionality.
B) Principle of military necessity.
C) Principle of distinction.

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D) Principle of environmental protection.

Answer: D
Explanation: The principle of environmental protection in armed conflict, as outlined
in various international agreements and customary law, obligates states to take care to
protect the natural environment against widespread, long-term, and severe damage
during military operations. This principle is recognized under the law of armed conflict
to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account during hostilities.

24. Which of the following principles under international law asserts that states
cannot invoke their domestic laws as justification for failing to perform their
international obligations?
A) Sovereign equality.
B) Supremacy of international law.
C) Pacta sunt servanda.
D) Principle of good faith.
Answer: B
Explanation: The principle of the supremacy of international law asserts that
international obligations take precedence over national laws. This means that states
cannot use their domestic legal systems as an excuse to avoid fulfilling their obligations
under international law.

25. Which principle of international law obliges states to refrain from actions that
would defeat the object and purpose of a treaty they have signed but not yet
ratified?
A) Principle of state sovereignty.
B) Principle of non-intervention.
C) Principle of good faith.
D) Principle of estoppel.
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of good faith in international law requires states to act in a
manner that respects the obligations and intentions behind international agreements.

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This includes refraining from actions that would undermine the object and purpose of
a treaty they have signed, even if the treaty has not yet been ratified.

26. What does the term “statehood” refer to in international law?

A) The existence of a government in a territory.
B) The legal status of a recognized entity as a sovereign state.
C) The ability of a state to enter into treaties.
D) The population of a state.
Answer: B
Explanation: Statehood refers to the criteria that an entity must meet to be recognized
as a sovereign state, including a defined territory, a permanent population, a
government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

27. Which of the following principles refers to a state’s right to non-intervention

in its internal affairs?
A) Territorial integrity.
B) Sovereignty.
C) Non-intervention.
D) International cooperation.
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of non-intervention is a core element of state sovereignty.

28. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of international law?

A) It is voluntary and based on consent.
B) It is enforceable by a global police force.
C) It governs the relations between states.
D) It is derived from treaties and customary practices.
Answer: B
Explanation: International law lacks a global enforcement mechanism like a police
force; compliance relies on the consent of states and often requires self-enforcement.

29. Which of the following best describes the principle of "erga omnes" obligations
in international law?

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A) Obligations owed only to neighbouring states.

B) Obligations that can be waived by individual states.
C) Obligations owed by a state towards the international community as a whole.
D) Obligations that are strictly bilateral.
Answer: C
Explanation: Erga omnes obligations refer to duties that a state has towards the
international community as a whole, meaning all states have a legal interest in their
protection. Examples include prohibitions against genocide, slavery, and racial
discrimination. These obligations are universal and cannot be violated or disregarded
by any state.

30. Which of the following bodies can give advisory opinions on legal questions
referred to it by United Nations organs and specialized agencies?
A) International Criminal Court (ICC).
B) International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
C) International Court of Justice (ICJ).
D) World Trade Organization (WTO).
Answer:C
Explanation: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) can give advisory opinions on
legal questions submitted by the UN General Assembly, the Security Council, or other
UN organs and specialized agencies.

31. Which principle of international law prohibits the threat or use of force
against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state?
A) Sovereignty.
B) Non-aggression.
C) Non-intervention.
D) Diplomatic immunity.
Answer: B
Explanation: The principle of non-aggression prohibits the use of force or the threat of
force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, as enshrined
in the UN Charter.

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32. Under international law, which of the following is a crime that can be
prosecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
A) Money laundering.
B) War crimes.
C) Drug trafficking.
D) Cybercrime.
Answer: B
Explanation: The ICC prosecutes serious international crimes, including war crimes,
genocide, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

33. In the following relations, which one is not subject to regulation by

international law?
A. The relationship between countries in signing treaties
B. Trade relations between countries
C. Labor relations between employees and employers
D. Diplomatic relations between countries
Answer: C. Labor relations between employees and employers
Explanation: Labor relations primarily fall under the domestic law of each country,
while the other relationships are all subject to regulation by international law.

34. Which international convention governs the law of the sea and establishes
guidelines for the use of the world's oceans?
A) The Geneva Conventions.
B) The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
C) The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
D) The Rome Statute.
Answer:C
Explanation: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
governs maritime rights and responsibilities of states and establishes guidelines for the
use of the oceans, including navigation rights, territorial sea limits, and resource
management.

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35. What is the primary purpose of international law?

A) To create national laws
B) To regulate relations between countries
C) To manage local governments
D) To determine election processes
Answer: B
Explanation: International law is designed to govern the relationships and
interactions between sovereign states and international organizations.

36. Which document is often referred to as the "Universal Declaration of Human

Rights"?
A) The Geneva Conventions
B) The UN Charter
C) The Declaration adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948
D) The Treaty of Versailles
Answer: C
Explanation: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1948 and outlines fundamental human rights.

37. What does the term "sovereignty" mean in international law?

A) The right to trade freely
B) The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference
C) The power to enforce international treaties
D) The ability to join international organizations
Answer: B
Explanation: Sovereignty refers to the full right and power of a governing body to
govern itself without outside interference.

38. What does the term "human rights" refer to?

A) Rights that only apply to citizens of a particular country.
B) Basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.
C) Rights granted only during wartime.

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D) Privileges provided by governments.

Answer: B
Explanation: Human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms that belong to all
people, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, or religion.

39. What does a "treaty" refer to in international law?

A) A law made by a national government
B) An agreement between countries
C) A recommendation from an international organization
D) A declaration of war
Answer: B
Explanation: A treaty is a formal and legally binding agreement between states,
governed by international law.

40. Which principle allows for the recognition of a new state in international law?
A) Sovereignty
B) State continuity
C) Self-determination
D) Diplomatic immunity
Answer: C
Explanation: The principle of self-determination allows a group to form their own
state, provided they meet certain conditions under international law.

41. In which of the following cases can a party request the application of the
principle of "rebus sic stantibus" to modify or terminate a contract?
A) When the market price of goods increases, but the contract can still be performed.
B) When one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations by the specified time.
C) When a natural disaster occurs, making the performance of the contract impossible
or unreasonable.
D) When one party wants to change the terms of the contract for their own benefit.
Answer: C

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Explanation: The principle of "rebus sic stantibus" allows for the adjustment or
termination of a contract when there is a fundamental change in circumstances;
therefore, a natural disaster constitutes a fundamental change, while the other cases do
not.

42. What is the "principle of non-intervention" in international law?

A) States must not interfere in the internal affairs of other states
B) States can intervene to prevent human rights abuses
C) States can only intervene if authorized by the UN
D) States can intervene in trade matters only
Answer: A
Explanation: Non-intervention means that states should refrain from interfering in the
internal matters of other sovereign states.

43. What is the primary function of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
A) To settle trade disputes.
B) To prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
C) To issue advisory opinions.
D) To enforce maritime law.
Answer: B
Explanation: The ICC prosecutes individuals for serious international crimes such as
genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

44. Which of the following is a recognized ground for diplomatic asylum under
international law?
A) Political persecution.
B) Economic hardship.
C) Environmental disaster.
D) Loss of citizenship.
Answer: A
Explanation: Diplomatic asylum can be granted to individuals facing political
persecution.

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45. What is the legal effect of reservations to a treaty under international law?
A) They nullify the entire treaty for the reserving state.
B) They modify certain obligations of the treaty for the reserving state.
C) They create new obligations for all parties to the treaty.
D) They lead to automatic withdrawal from the treaty.
Answer: B
Explanation: Reservations allow a state to exclude or modify the legal effect of certain
provisions of a treaty with respect to that state.

46. Which body oversees the implementation of international trade law?

A) The World Health Organization (WHO).
B) The World Trade Organization (WTO).
C) The International Labour Organization (ILO).
D) The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Answer: B
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is responsible for overseeing
international trade agreements and ensuring that trade flows as smoothly as possible.

47. What is customary international law?

A) Laws that are written down in a constitution.
B) Laws that arise from repeated state practices and acceptance.
C) Laws that are only applicable within a single country.
D) Laws created by international organizations.
Answer: B
Explanation: Customary international law consists of practices that are widely
accepted by states as legal obligations due to their consistent application and
recognition.

48. Which of the following documents establishes the United Nations' ommitment
to promoting and protecting human rights?
A) The Charter of the United Nations.
B) The Statute of the International Court of Justice.

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C) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

D) The Geneva Conventions.
Answer: C
Explanation: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, lays the
foundation for international human rights law.

49. Which international organization focuses primarily on health issues?

A) The International Monetary Fund (IMF).
B) The World Health Organization (WHO).
C) The World Trade Organization (WTO).
D) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Answer: B
Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for global public
health issues and international health regulations.

50. Which body of the UN makes decisions on peace and security matters?
A) The General Assembly.
B) The International Court of Justice.
C) The Security Council.
D) The Economic and Social Council.
Answer: C
Explanation: The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international
peace and security.

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