Defining International Law: J.L. Briely's Contribution

The question asks to identify the scholar who provided a specific definition of international law. The definition states that international law is "the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilised states in their relations with one another".

This definition is widely attributed to the prominent legal scholar J.L. Briely. Briely's work emphasized the practical aspect of international law as a system governing interactions between states. He focused on the 'rules and principles' that dictate state behavior in their mutual dealings.

Scholarly Attributions in International Law

Understanding definitions is crucial in law, as precise wording shapes interpretation. Let's look at the options provided:

• J.L. Briely: Credited with the definition focusing on rules binding states in their relations.
• Oppenheim: Lassa Oppenheim was a significant figure in international law, and his definition is also influential, often focusing on law between states.
• J.G. Starke: Another known writer on international law, contributing various perspectives.
• Jeremy Bentham: Known for coining the term "international law", but this specific definition is not primarily associated with him.

The provided definition highlights the binding nature of rules and principles on 'civilised states', emphasizing the consensual and relational aspect of international law as understood by many scholars, including Briely.