Customary international law, although long recognized as a primary source of international law, remains replete with enigmas, both conceptual and practical. These include how to determine the existence of opinio juris, the function of the state practice requirement, the definition of jus cogens customary norms, and the relationship between customary international law and ethics. In part because of these enigmas, the subject has generated a wide-ranging literature. However, no recent book-length work has attempted to articulate a comprehensive theory of customary international law that can effectively resolve these questions. This book sets out to accomplish this goal. Its approach is unique in a number of ways. For example, it is multidisciplinary and draws insights from fields such as legal theory, philosophy, political science, and game theory. In addition, it is anchored in a sophisticated ethical framework and explores at length the interconnections between customary international law and ethics.

This book sets out to articulate a comprehensive theory of customary international law that can effectively resolve the conceptual and practical enigmas surrounding it.

About the Author
Brian D. Lepard is Law Alumni Professor of Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law and co-director of the university's Human Rights and Human Diversity Initiative. Professor Lepard has served as Chair of the International Legal Theory Interest Group of the American Society of International Law. His books include Hope for a Global Ethic: Shared Principles in Religious Scriptures (2005) and Rethinking Humanitarian Intervention: A Fresh Legal Approach Based on Fundamental Ethical Principles in International Law and World Religions (2002). His articles have appeared in such journals as the Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law and the Journal of Human Rights.

Reviews
'Lepard's aim was to articulate a comprehensive theory of customary international law which resolves the various conceptual and practical enigmas with which it is associated. He is certainly successful in setting out a comprehensive theory of customary international law.' Natalie Baird, New Zealand Yearbook of International Law



Book Information
ISBN 9780521138727
Author Brian D. Lepard
Format Paperback
Page Count 440
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 152mm * 25mm