Case report
Međunarodno pravo [= International law] (author: V.Đ.Degan) (Zagreb, 2011.) : [book review]
Marina Vokić Žužul
; Jadranski zavod HAZU, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The third edition of Professor Degan’s textbook is a clear, authoritative and comprehensive survey of contemporary international law. Revised and updated, this new edition takes into account developments in international law since the publication of the second edition in 2006.
The author divided the subject matter of this textbook into six parts.
The introductory part deals with the legal nature and historical development of international law, the question of its relationship with national law and some other general problems.
In the second part, the author analyses various sources of international law. He starts with the general principles of law, which is followed by customary law and the law of international treaties. Further, he continues with an explanation of the importance of unilateral acts of state as a source of international law.
The third part – ''International Community'' is a systematic analysis of subjects of international law – states, other territorial entities and international organizations. The author explains how states and international organizations, especially the United Nations, make and use international law. Special attention is paid to the position of individuals in this law.
The fourth part – ''Objects in international law'' begins with explanations related to the issue of the state territory, airspace and outer space. The author continues with the elaboration on the historical development of international law of the sea. In the second and third chapters, he analyses the legal regimes of different maritime areas – internal waters, archipelagic waters of the archipelagic states, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. Special attention is devoted to delimitation of these zones between states. In the following chapters, the author deals with relevant questions regarding the high seas, the international seabed and international straits.
In the fifth part of this textbook Professor Degan elaborates on the problem of the peaceful settlement of disputes and the maintenance of peace. He emphasizes the role of the United Nations and other international organizations concerning the maintenance of international security and peace.
In the final part, the author explains several important topics related to the law of armed confl icts and humanitarian law, such as the international and non-international armed conflicts, neutrality in an armed confl ict, maritime warfare and the protection of specific persons – wounded, sick and shipwrecked persons, prisoners of war and civilians.
This book reflects the breadth and diversity of the contemporary international law. It is written very concisely, systematically and in a highly readable style. Therefore, it will be a precious and an irreplaceable source of information to all who have an academic or a practical interest in this field.
Keywords
book review; international law;
Hrčak ID:
77074
URI
Publication date:
28.12.2011.
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