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Strengthening International Courts and the Early Settlement of Disputes

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Gilligan

    (Department of Politics, New York University, NY)

  • Leslie Johns

    (Department of Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles, ljohns@polisci.ucla.edu)

  • B. Peter Rosendorff

    (Department of Politics, New York University, NY)

Abstract

How does variation in the strength of a court’s jurisdiction and enforcement affect strategic behavior by states involved in international disputes? The authors construct a formal model and identify three important ways that legal institutions can have a deleterious effect on international cooperation by magnifying the bargaining problems arising from incomplete information about the quality of the legal claims. First, strong courts create less information revelation in pretrial bargaining. Second, strong courts reduce the likelihood of pretrial settlements between states. Third, strong courts lead to more brinksmanship over high-value assets, which leads to conflict if the court refuses to intervene. The authors argue that a key policy implication of their model is that attempts to strengthen international courts must be accompanied by increased precision of international law to ameliorate the deleterious effects of strong courts.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Gilligan & Leslie Johns & B. Peter Rosendorff, 2010. "Strengthening International Courts and the Early Settlement of Disputes," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 54(1), pages 5-38, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:54:y:2010:i:1:p:5-38
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002709352463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tana Johnson, 2015. "Information revelation and structural supremacy: The World Trade Organization’s incorporation of environmental policy," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 207-229, June.

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