International law governs relations between independent states. It is primarily a system of customary law, increasingly supplemented by treaties. States are the primary actors in international law, with their actions and statements forming state practice. International law also addresses relations between states and persons, whether natural or juridical. The sources of international law are treaties, customary state practice, general principles of law recognized by civilized nations, judicial decisions, and the writings of publicists. Customary international law derives from consistent state practice out of a sense of legal obligation. The International Court of Justice applies international law to disputes submitted to it by states and interprets treaties and general international law. State practice plays a central role in the evolution of customary international