spooky headless judge holding scales of justice against a black background
As of 2021, 55 countries permit capital punishment and more than 70% of nations have abolished it in law or practice. There were 579 executions carried out in 2021 by 18 countries. Methods used included beheading, hanging, lethal injection, and shooting.
Enforcement of Judgments Image
Civil litigation ends. The prevailing party seeks to enforce the final judgment, usually the payment of money, seizure of property, or an order to do or refrain from an activity. Nations vary in the enforcement mechanisms for judgments. The process is usually set forth…
Judicial Gavel
Contrary to their ubiquity in the movies, judges rarely (if ever) use gavels during court proceedings. The judicial gavel, a small wooden mallet employed to maintain order and command attention, has an indeterminate history. Found predominantly in United States courtrooms…
barbed wire superimposed over country maps
This page offers information about the incarceration rates of the eight countries profiled in the resource on comparative sentencing policy. It also highlights the growing practice of public-private partnerships for prison administration. Hover over a bubble for country-…
Three circles, one with international institutions, another with international instruments, and the last with international tribunals.
National judiciaries are increasingly influenced by international institutions and courts. The work of these institutions is varied, from promoting peace and cooperation to providing a forum to discuss trade and security. International Institutions There are many…
International Institutions banner.
There are many international and multi-lateral institutions. The scope of their mandate and jurisdiction varies considerably. This section describes some of the more prominent institutions that work in the fields of international law and development, including the different organs of the United…
International Instruments Banner
There are different types of international legal instruments. Binding instruments, such as treaties or conventions, are signed by diplomatic representatives of participating states. They must be ratified through the domestic process of each state. Nonbinding instruments,…
Illustration of the ICC
International tribunals provide a venue for adjudicating certain types of international disputes, facilitating the settlement of problems requiring specialized expertise,   "The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be…
Sketch of an open Qu'ran.
Islamic Law, commonly referred to as Shariah, governs interpersonal conduct and regulates the ritual practices of Muslims. In some countries it is also the governing law, while other countries apply Islamic law to sp   Sources  Islamic law is derived primarily from two…