Abstract
This article examines the phenomenon of accelerated formation of customary international law. It argues that in periods of fundamental change (which the author characterizes as "Grotian Moments"), whether by technological advances, the commission of new forms of crimes against humanity, or the development of new means of warfare or terrorism, customary international law may form much more rapidly and with less state practice than is normally the case to keep up with the pace of developments. The article examines several case studies that explore the application and contours of the concept of "Grotian Moments."
Keywords
international law, customary international law, crimes against humanity, terrorism, international criminal law
Publication Date
2014
Document Type
Article
Place of Original Publication
20 ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law 305 (2014)
Publication Information
ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law
Repository Citation
Scharf, Michael P., "Accelerated Formation of Customary International Law" (2014). Faculty Publications. 1167.
https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/faculty_publications/1167
