International Law: Areas of International Law

Conflict of Law

Conflict of laws refers to a difference between the laws of different states or countries in which a transaction or occurrence central to the case has connection to two or more jurisdictions. The body of jurisprudence that undertakes to reconcile such differences or to decide what law is to govern in these situations is known as the principles choice of law. Conflict of law is also termed as private international law. Conflict of Laws, Black’s Law Dictionary (12th ed. 2024).

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international conflict of law; however, this list is not exhaustive. 

• Pennoyer v. Neff 
• Godard v. Grey
• Schibsy v. Westen Holdz

Human Rights Law 

International human rights law consists of treaties and other customary law to grant inherent human rights. States are bound to respect international human rights law when they become parties to international treaties. When a state assumes such obligations and duties under international law they must respect, protect, and fulfill human rights. This obligation includes that a State must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. International Human Rights Law, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Instruments & Mechanisms, https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-and-mechanisms/international-human-rights-law (last visited Oct. 28, 2025).

The Law Library also has a research guide on the topic here: International Human Rights

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international human rights law; however, this list is not exhaustive. 

• Nasheed v. Maldives 
• KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland 
• Bedoya Lima et al.
• Harun v. Switzerland

Labour Law

International labour law is the body of rules, created by the International Labour Organization, governing the rights of employees and duties of employers across public and private international law. These rules were created to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and product work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity. International Labour Standards, International Labour Organization, https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards (last visited Oct. 28, 2025).

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international labour law; however, this list is not exhaustive. 

• Right to Strike under ILO Convention No. 87
• United Steel Workers of America Afl-cio-clc, Petitioner, v. National Labor Relations Board, Respondent,tower Industries, Inc., Intervenor, 482 F.3d 1112 (9th Cir. 2007) Annotate this Case

Environmental Law

International environmental law regulates the behavior of states and international organizations concerning the environment. Regulation is enforced through treaties and principles. Core global regulation domains include the world's oceans and fisheries management, the polar ice caps, and the regulation of carbon and other particulate emissions into the atmosphere. International Environmental Law, Wex, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/international_environmental_law (last updated May 2023).

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international environmental law; however, this list is not exhaustive. 

• Nuclear Tests (Australia v. France)
• Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Project (Hungary/Slovakia)
• Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay (Argentina v. Uruguay)

Maritime and Admiralty Law 

Maritime law, or admiralty law, regulates shipping, navigation, commerce, towage, recreational boating, and piracy by private entities on domestic and international waters. It covers both natural and man-made navigable waters, such as rivers and canals. It also covers persons and contracts related to maritime activities, such as seamen, shipping insurance contracts and maritime liens. Maritime Law Center, Justia, https://www.justia.com/admiralty/ (last visited Oct. 28, 2025). 

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international maritime law; however, this list is not exhaustive. 

• S.S. Lotus (France v. Turkey)
• Fisheries (United Kingdom v. Norway)
• Oil Platforms (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States)

Economic Law
International economic law encompasses the conduct of sovereign states and international organizations in international economic relations and the conduct of private parties involved in cross-border economic and business transactions. International economic law is an interdisiplinary field encompassing both public and private international law. International economic law includes, but is not limited to, the fields of international trade law, international financial law, international commercial arbitration, international developmental law, and international business regulation. International Economic Law, Wex, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/international_economic_law (last updated June 2023).

• Trade Law 

  • International trade law is the commerce that occurs across national borders. It is governed by applicable local laws and international treaties that are negotiated by participating nations. The term international trade may include foreign direct investments, especially in cases where the foreign investment impacts trade in goods and services. International Trade, Wex, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/international_trade (last updated June 2023).

Below are links to significant cases pertaining to international economic law; however, this list is not exhaustive.  

• Jam v. International Finance Corporation
• Brazil-Canada Aircraft Dispute Case
• Petrobras America, Inc. v. Samsung Heavy Industries Co.
• The US - Shrimp (Turtle) Dispute