How Many times as a citizen of this great nation does one hear, "I wish America would take care of its problems at home and not everybody else's problems. This attitude leads to ideas such as, "International law and morality has nothing to do with me and my family." However, it is said no man is an island, and no country is an island to be left alone. Therefore, as the world becomes a smaller place, the importance of international law, and morality must increase.
             In order to understand the importance of international law, one must understand what is international law. International law is, "The body of legal rules that apply between sovereign states and other entities having international personality" (Britannica). International law has come about because nations feel the need to live together peacefully. However, it has its roots in each country's self-interest, and there is no international law enforcing body. Each state has to adhere to the laws through cooperation. Also, some states have put international law into their jurisdictions.
             International law has come about by three processes, international customary law, treaties, and general principles of law. Customary law is sovereignty, recognition, consent, good faith, freedom of the sea, international responsibility, and self-defense among the states. Treaties help to form international law. Treaties are legally binding and may declare, change, or develop existing international law. There are some very important international rules controlled by treaties. Some of these important aspects of treaties are: diplomatic law, immunity, protection of nationals abroad, freedom of commerce, and succession to international rights and obligations. Also, large international organizations help form international law. Organizations such as United Nations play an important role in the development international law. They modify by consent rules o...