In early time, writers used the term “Law of Nations”. Law of Nations means law governing relations between the states. Law of nations was considered similar to the International Law.
The term “International Law” was used for the first time by Jeremy Bentham in the year 1780 in his book “Principles of Morals and Legislations”. The term International Law is used in contrary to the term National Law or Municipal Law. Municipal Law or National Law means law of the Country.
There is no single universally accepted definition of International Law. Different writer has stated different definition.
According to Oppenheim’s definition – International law is the name for the body of customary and conventional rules which are considered legally binding by civilised states in their intercourse with each other.
Sir Robert Jennings and Sir Arthur Watts, in the 9th edition of Oppenheim’s book (1992) defined the International Law differently after taking into account the new developments of the world. “International Law is the body of rules which are legally binding on states in their intercourse with each other. These rules are primarily those which govern the relation of states, but states are not the only subject of International Law. International organization and to some extent, also individual may be subject of rights conferred and duties imposed by the International Law”.
Starke’s Definition – According to him “International Law is that body of law which is composed for its greater part of the principles and rules of conduct which states feel themselves bound to observe”.
Schwarzenberger’s definition – According to him ” International Law is the body of legal rules which apply between sovereign states and such other entities as have been granted international personality”.
International Law is concerned with national security, protection of environment, extradition, human rights etc.
In International Law rules governs international communication, postal services, carriage of goods etc.
The difference between International Law and National Law is that national law is made by the states and operates within its territorial jurisdiction over all its acts and actions occurring within its territory. International law is set in motion by co-operative act of all the nations and is generally above and outside the national law of various states and operate on the territories of all the states.
Conclusion
There are many definitions of International Law. With the time changes, definition of international law is also changing. International law is living and also expanding. International Law tries to maintain peace in the whole world where people will live happily without anger irrespective of creed, religion, colour etc.