The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has a dual role: to settle legal disputes between States (contentious cases) and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. The process is governed by the UN Charter, the Statute of the Court, the Rules of Court, and Practice Directions. Process and Jurisdiction Parties: Only States may be parties to contentious cases. International organizations can provide information but cannot bring a case or be a formal party. Acceptance of Jurisdiction: The ICJ is only competent to hear a dispute if the States involved have accepted its jurisdiction. This can occur through: A special agreement for a specific dispute. A jurisdictional clause in a treaty. Reciprocal declarations accepting the Court's jurisdiction as compulsory. Advisory Opinions: These are not binding but carry significant legal and moral weight. They are requested by UN organs (like the General Assembly or Security Council) or specialized agencies on legal questions.