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Glossary

Monism and dualism

internationalconstitutional

Competing accounts of how international law enters domestic legal systems.

In more detail

In monist states a ratified treaty becomes directly applicable and may be invoked in national courts without more. In dualist states it binds internationally but requires an implementing statute before individuals can rely on it, which is why identical treaty commitments produce very different domestic effects.

Related terms

  • treaty
  • subsidiarity

See how this applies to you

Definitions are general. How a term operates depends on the jurisdiction you are in.