Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons

The Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons is a formal judgment by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that clarifies whether nuclear weapons are legal under international law. In 1996, the ICJ concluded that the threat or use of nuclear weapons would generally be illegal, especially if it causes excessive harm or violates international treaties. However, it cannot definitively say whether their use is always illegal in all circumstances, particularly in cases of self-defense or extreme necessity. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of disarmament and international law in preventing nuclear conflict.