Inter Se Doctrine: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
The inter se doctrine is a principle that was historically applied in international law. It asserted that the relationships among members of the British Commonwealth were not considered international in nature. As a result, these relationships could not create rights or obligations under international law. This doctrine is now largely regarded as defunct, reflecting the evolving nature of international legal standards and relationships among states.
Legal Use & context
This doctrine was primarily relevant in the context of international law and relations among Commonwealth nations. Legal practitioners may encounter discussions about the inter se doctrine in historical analyses of international treaties or diplomatic relations. Although it is not commonly used in current legal practice, understanding its implications can be important for scholars and students of international law.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A Commonwealth nation may engage in bilateral agreements that do not invoke international law due to the inter se doctrine. This means that any disputes arising from such agreements would not be subject to international arbitration.
(Hypothetical example) Example 2: If two Commonwealth countries have a disagreement over trade practices, the inter se doctrine might imply that they resolve the issue through domestic legal frameworks rather than international law.