Chapter 11: international law

what can international organizations do?

-adopts resolutions -create uniform rules

Act of state doctrine

A doctrine providing that the judicial branch of one country will not examine the validity of public acts committed by a recognized foreign government within its own territory.

civil law system

A system of law based on a very detailed set of written laws and codes.

subsidiaries

A wholly owned subsidiary firm is used to expand into a foreign market and the parent company remains in the United States.

treaty

An agreement or contract between two or more nations that must be authorized and ratified by the supreme power of each nation.

international organizations

Composed mainly of officials of member nations and usually established by treaty.

New York Convention

Courts in member nations must honor private agreements to arbitrate and recognize arbitration awards made in other contracting states.

New York convention

Courts in member nations must honor private agreements to arbitrate and recognize arbitration awards made in other contracting states.

Common Law System

Courts independently develop rules for governing certain areas such as contracts.

licensing

Foreign firm uses an established name brand for a fee.

bilateral agreement

Formed by two nations to govern their commercial exchanges or other relations with one another.

Antidiscrimination Laws

Refers to the right of people to be treated equally.

international law

The body of law—formed as a result of international customs, treaties, and organizations—that governs relations among or between nations.

manufacturing Abroad

The establishment of foreign manufacturing facilities—typically, to reduce costs.

Franchising

The franchisor licenses the franchisee to use the mark, name, or copyright, under certain conditions, in the selling of goods or services.

exporting

The simplest way for U.S. firms to engage in international business is to export their goods and services to foreign markets.

joint ventures

U.S. company owns only part of the operation, with the rest owned either by local owners in the foreign country or by another foreign entity.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

a permanent global institution to promote international trade and to settle international trade disputes

Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA)

allows even foreign citizens to bring civil suits in U.S. courts for injuries caused by violations of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.

tariffs

are taxes upon imports

sharia law

based on religious principles that govern a Muslim's way of life.

Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity

exempts foreign nations from the jurisdiction of the US courts

multilateral agreement

formed by several nations

Quotes

limit the amount of goods that can be imported

Principle of Comity

provides that a country will honor and enforce within its own territory the judgments and decisions of foreign courts, with certain limitations

trade barriers

restrictions to free trade

antidumping duties

taxes placed on another exporting state's alleged selling of a product at a price below the cost to produce it

national law

the system of laws within a particular nation

source of international law

treaties, customs, general principles, the actions of international courts and other organizations, and other processes that regulate international relations