International norm conflicts through the lens of Alexy's principles theory

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The work International norm conflicts through the lens of Alexy's principles theory represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

International norm conflicts through the lens of Alexy's principles theory

Statement of responsibility

Birte Annika Böök

Creator

• Böök, Birte Annika

Contributor

• European University Institute, Department of Law

Subject

• Dispute resolution (Law)
• International law
• Alexy, Robert
• Law -- Philosophy

Language

eng

Summary

The likelihood of clashes between international norms has increased in correlation with the upsurge in the number of specialised regimes emerging within the international legal field. The present thesis takes a closer look at the different ways in which such norm conflicts can be addressed at the international level. In particular, it distinguishes between conflict resolution based on establishing priority by means of traditional maxims, and resolution based on the weighing of clashing norms to determine which prevails in the case at hand. To do so, the thesis takes a step back from the existing literature and examines the distinction within norms between rules and principles, relying predominantly on Robert Alexy’s theory on this subject. Taking a legal-theoretical approach to the subject of international norm conflicts, this thesis shows that Alexy’s principles theory is not only transferrable to international law in theory, but that we can, moreover, identify international norms as rules and principles respectively. Distinguishing between the different ways in which conflicts are resolved depending on whether the norms involved are rules or principles, it is shown that while both approaches are susceptible to certain conceptual uncertainties and pitfalls, this dichotomy nevertheless plays an important role in the efficiency of the international legal system, ensuring that a certain balance between stability and flexibility is maintained. Ultimately, it is demonstrated that by viewing international law, and international norm conflicts in particular, through the lens of Alexy’s principles theory, we can gain a clearer understanding of the structure and application of international norms on the one hand and, as a result, how to resolve international norm conflicts on the other. Thus, drawing a distinction between rules and principles among international legal norms can be a means by which scholars (as well as judicial bodies or even states) may analyse ambiguous judicial decisions or international legal provisions, and can thus foster greater clarity in the field of international law

Member of

• EUI PhD theses

Cataloging source

FIE

Date time place

Defence date: 20 November 2018

Dissertation note

Thesis (Ph. D.)--European University Institute (LAW, 2018)

Index

no index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

theses

Series statement

• EUI PhD theses
• EUI theses