Principles of International Law

by Sean D. Murphy

This fully-updated third edition provides a comprehensive survey of public international law, with useful references throughout to current events, classic and contemporary cases and scholarship. It is designed as a stand-alone text or as a complement to all the major casebooks on the topic. The first part of the book addresses how international law is created, interpreted and enforced; the second part focuses on the interface of international law and national law; and the final part covers key subject matter areas: human rights, injury to aliens, the law of the sea, international environmental law, international criminal law, and the use of force.

Genres: Law, Reference, Nonfiction

699 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2006

About the author

Sean D. Murphy is the Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Since 2012, he has been a member of the U.N. International Law Commission, which appointed him special rapporteur for crimes against humanity. From 1987 to 1998, Professor Murphy was an attorney in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State, specializing in international claims and investment disputes, the law of war, and oceans and environmental law. He has served as an arbitrator, counsel, or expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, and during 2018-2020 he is the President of the American Society of International Law.

Reviews

[Olivia]

If I had to read this cover to cover, better believe I’m including it in my Goodreads 2024 list.

Also yeah, this is an incredible source for understanding the ecosystem of various legal structuring comprising International Law. The chapters, indexes, and themes are ingeniously organized (along multiple planes) and while not super in depth, it provides a breadth of concepts that will help any beginning student sic into their course as well as reinforce working knowledge of intermediates.

[Terra]

I feel slightly silly reviewing this on Goodreads, but whatever. It's an excellent hornbook, currently in use in the international law class I'm co-teaching. It's clear, thorough, and fair. As hornbooks go, this is five-star, but as enjoyment goes...I could have used more, I don't know, amusing cartoons? Anyway. Well done, Professor Murphy.

[Caroline Wolinsky]

The purpose of a hornbook is to be concise, but there was a lot included here that was under-edited. Would have been really helpful to define important terms by topic/issue, give some examples of historical events that fit the topic, and point out themes/areas of contention in contemporary international law.

[Matt]

Broad overview of the development of modern international law with some historical context that led to post-War institutions. American-centric (makes sense) with focus on case law covering all kinds of topics in the area.

[Jordy]

skimmed some chapters and didn't read some chapters. all in all so interesting to me. holding on to this