User Clip: Naomi E Soldon: Customary International Law

Naomi E Soldon spoke about the influence of international law on U.S. law and legal interpretations of treaties and customary international law. Naomi E Soldon also focused on the Alien Tort Statute of 1789 and its influence on tort law throughout the years. Among the topics addressed were suits involving human rights issues, multinational corporations, and the detention of foreign nationals. Following her remarks they answered questions from the audience.

Customary international law is derived from "a general practice accepted as law" rather than explicit legal documents. This practice can be found in official accounts of military operations, but it is also found in a variety of official documents, including military manuals, national legislation and case law. The requirement that this practice be "accepted as law" is often referred to as "opinio juris". This characteristic sets practices required by law apart from practices followed as a matter of policy, for example. close