International Law: Assertion & Reason Analysis
This solution examines the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) provided regarding international customary law, focusing on local custom and jus cogens.
Local Custom: Assertion (A) Analysis
Assertion (A) states: Subject to rules of jus cogens, local customary law can supplement or derogate from general custom.
- This statement is true. International law acknowledges that specific customs, known as local or particular customs, can develop within a limited geographical area or between specific states.
- These local customs are capable of modifying or supplementing general customary international law applicable to the states involved.
- The critical condition mentioned, "subject to rules of jus cogens", is accurate. No rule of international law, including local custom, can prevail over a peremptory norm of general international law (jus cogens).
Local Custom: Reason (R) Analysis
Reason (R) states: International law does not recognise the concept of local custom.
- This statement is false.
- The concept of local custom is well-established in international law and has been affirmed by international tribunals.
- For example, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recognised the existence of local custom in cases such as the Asylum case (Colombia v. Peru) and the Right of Passage over Indian Territory case (Portugal v. India).
Conclusion: Validity of Statements
The analysis reveals that:
- Assertion (A) is true.
- Reason (R) is false.
Therefore, the correct option is the one that identifies Assertion (A) as true and Reason (R) as false.