Introduction

I was interested to note the question raised in the past week or so by Professor Waelde about the distinction (or lack of distinction) between the concepts of jurisdiction and admissibility in international adjudication, and the search for appropriate definitions. In my understanding these are certainly distinct concepts, although there is some confusion in the way they have been approached by different tribunals. Much of the confusion appears to be reflected in the use of the concepts of 'jurisdiction' and 'competence' of an international court; these concepts are often used ...