opinio juris sive necessitatis

English - English

Definition of opinio juris sive necessitatis in English English dictionary

The principle of International Law where states believe or accept that a practice exists and must be followed because of a rule of Law requiring it, to the extent that it becomes part of the body of norms known as international Customary Law. See the Lotus Case

Etymology

() Latin, opinio iuris sive necessitatis, "opinion of law but of necessity"