(1). [AIBE 2021] The traditional (orthodox) view of International Law propounded by Oppenheim stated that:
[A]. Individuals are the only subjects of international law
[B]. States are the only subjects of international law; individuals are mere objects
[C]. International Organizations are supreme
[D]. Multinational corporations hold sovereignty
Correct Answer: [B]. States are the only subjects of international law; individuals are mere objects
(2). The Nuremberg Trials (1946) revolutionized International Law by establishing that:
[A]. Only States commit war crimes
[B]. Individuals bear direct criminal responsibility for international crimes (crimes against humanity)
[C]. War is perfectly legal
[D]. Diplomats cannot be tried
Correct Answer: [B]. Individuals bear direct criminal responsibility for international crimes (crimes against humanity)
(3). [CLAT-PG 2019] The acquisition of nationality based on the territory of birth is known as:
[A]. Jus sanguinis
[B]. Jus soli
[C]. Naturalization
[D]. Subjugation
Correct Answer: [B]. Jus soli
(4). The acquisition of nationality based on descent (bloodline of parents) is known as:
[A]. Jus soli
[B]. Jus cogens
[C]. Jus sanguinis
[D]. Lex loci
Correct Answer: [C]. Jus sanguinis
(5). [AIBE 2023] In the Nottebohm Case (Liechtenstein v. Guatemala), the ICJ ruled that for a State to exercise diplomatic protection over a naturalized citizen, there must be:
[A]. A massive financial investment
[B]. A Genuine Link (real and effective connection) between the individual and the State
[C]. A dual citizenship
[D]. A declaration by the UN
Correct Answer: [B]. A Genuine Link (real and effective connection) between the individual and the State
(6). Extradition is primarily governed by:
[A]. Universal customary international law
[B]. Treaties (Bilateral or Multilateral) between States
[C]. UN General Assembly resolutions
[D]. The International Criminal Court
Correct Answer: [B]. Treaties (Bilateral or Multilateral) between States
(7). [CLAT-PG 2020] The “Principle of Double Criminality” in extradition law requires that:
[A]. The fugitive committed two crimes
[B]. The act is recognized as a penal offense under the laws of both the requesting and requested States
[C]. The fugitive must be tried twice
[D]. Two states must request extradition simultaneously
Correct Answer: [B]. The act is recognized as a penal offense under the laws of both the requesting and requested States
(8). Which principle mandates that an extradited fugitive can only be prosecuted for the exact offense for which their extradition was granted?
[A]. Principle of Non-refoulement
[B]. Principle of Specialty
[C]. Principle of Double Jeopardy
[D]. Attentat Clause
Correct Answer: [B]. Principle of Specialty
(9). [AIBE 2018] Traditionally, extradition is completely denied for which category of offenses?
[A]. Economic offenses (Fraud)
[B]. Purely Political Offenses (Treason, Rebellion)
[C]. Murder
[D]. Drug trafficking
Correct Answer: [B]. Purely Political Offenses (Treason, Rebellion)
(10). The Attentat Clause acts as an exception to the political offense rule. It specifies that:
[A]. Assassination of a Head of State is NOT considered a political offense and is extraditable.
[B]. Bank robbers are political prisoners.
[C]. Spies cannot be extradited.
[D]. Cyber-crimes are political.
Correct Answer: [A]. Assassination of a Head of State is NOT considered a political offense and is extraditable.
(11). [CLAT-PG 2022] The Latin maxim Aut dedere aut judicare translates to:
[A]. Try the accused twice
[B]. Either extradite or prosecute
[C]. Innocent until proven guilty
[D]. Justice must be blind
Correct Answer: [B]. Either extradite or prosecute
(12). Asylum granted by a State within its own geographical boundaries is called:
[A]. Extraterritorial Asylum
[B]. Diplomatic Asylum
[C]. Territorial Asylum
[D]. Consular Asylum
Correct Answer: [C]. Territorial Asylum
(13). [AIBE 2019] Asylum granted within the premises of an embassy, consulate, or warship located inside the pursuing State is termed:
(14). In the Asylum Case (Colombia v. Peru, 1950), the ICJ held that Diplomatic Asylum:
[A]. Is a universal customary right
[B]. Is a derogation of territorial sovereignty and is not recognized as a general rule of international law, lacking a specific regional custom
[C]. Must be granted to all murderers
[D]. Is a fundamental human right
Correct Answer: [B]. Is a derogation of territorial sovereignty and is not recognized as a general rule of international law, lacking a specific regional custom
(15). [CLAT-PG 2021] Diplomatic privileges and immunities are formally codified globally in the:
[A]. Geneva Conventions, 1949
[B]. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), 1961
[C]. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969
[D]. UNCLOS, 1982
Correct Answer: [B]. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), 1961
(16). Under modern international law, diplomatic immunities are primarily justified by which theory?
[A]. Extra-territoriality fiction
[B]. Representative character theory
[C]. Functional Necessity Theory (immunities are needed for the effective performance of diplomatic functions)
[D]. Divine Right of Kings
Correct Answer: [C]. Functional Necessity Theory (immunities are needed for the effective performance of diplomatic functions)
(17). [AIBE 2022] According to Article 22 of the VCDR, the premises of the diplomatic mission (embassy) are:
[A]. Part of the public domain
[B]. Inviolable; host state agents cannot enter without the Head of Mission’s consent
[C]. Open to random police searches
[D]. Exempt from gravity
Correct Answer: [B]. Inviolable; host state agents cannot enter without the Head of Mission’s consent
(18). Under Article 31 of the VCDR, a diplomatic agent enjoys absolute immunity from the host State’s:
[A]. Civil jurisdiction only
[B]. Administrative jurisdiction only
[C]. Criminal jurisdiction
[D]. Traffic regulations only
Correct Answer: [C]. Criminal jurisdiction
(19). [CLAT-PG 2018] If a diplomat commits a serious crime (e.g., murder) in the host State, what is the ultimate recourse available to the host State?
[A]. Arrest and try the diplomat in local courts
[B]. Execute the diplomat
[C]. Declare the diplomat persona non grata (unwelcome) and demand their recall
[D]. Sue the UN
Correct Answer: [C]. Declare the diplomat persona non grata (unwelcome) and demand their recall
(20). The “Diplomatic Bag” used for official correspondence:
[A]. Can be searched by customs at any time
[B]. Shall not be opened or detained under any circumstances (Article 27, VCDR)
[C]. Can only carry letters, no packages
[D]. Is heavily taxed
Correct Answer: [B]. Shall not be opened or detained under any circumstances (Article 27, VCDR)
(21). [AIBE 2023] The law of treaties is codified in which major international convention?
[A]. VCDR 1961
[B]. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), 1969
[C]. Rome Statute, 1998
[D]. Paris Agreement, 2015
Correct Answer: [B]. Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), 1969
(22). The fundamental premise of treaty law, Pacta Sunt Servanda (Article 26, VCLT), means:
[A]. Treaties are invalid if forced
[B]. Every treaty in force is binding upon the parties and must be performed by them in good faith
[C]. Treaties must be written in Latin
[D]. States can withdraw at any time
Correct Answer: [B]. Every treaty in force is binding upon the parties and must be performed by them in good faith
(23). [CLAT-PG 2019] The act whereby a State establishes on the international plane its definitive consent to be bound by a treaty is termed:
[A]. Negotiation
[B]. Authentication
[C]. Ratification
[D]. Adoption
Correct Answer: [C]. Ratification
(24). A unilateral statement made by a State when signing or ratifying a treaty, purporting to exclude or modify the legal effect of certain provisions in their application to that State, is a:
[A]. Declaration of War
[B]. Reservation
[C]. Veto
[D]. Derogation
Correct Answer: [B]. Reservation
(25). [AIBE 2020] In the Reservations to the Genocide Convention Case, the ICJ ruled that a reservation is valid only if:
[A]. All other States agree to it
[B]. It is compatible with the “object and purpose” of the treaty
[C]. It is approved by the UN Security Council
[D]. It relates to taxes
Correct Answer: [B]. It is compatible with the “object and purpose” of the treaty
(26). Under Article 62 of the VCLT, a treaty may be terminated due to a fundamental, unforeseeable change of circumstances. This doctrine is called:
[A]. Jus Cogens
[B]. Pacta Sunt Servanda
[C]. Rebus Sic Stantibus
[D]. Ex Aequo et Bono
Correct Answer: [C]. Rebus Sic Stantibus
(27). [CLAT-PG 2022] In the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros Project Case, the ICJ held that the doctrine of Rebus Sic Stantibus:
[A]. Can be invoked easily for any economic difficulty
[B]. Must be applied only in exceptional cases where the change radically transforms the extent of obligations
[C]. Was abolished by the UN
[D]. Only applies to military treaties
Correct Answer: [B]. Must be applied only in exceptional cases where the change radically transforms the extent of obligations
(28). If a new peremptory norm of general international law (Jus Cogens) emerges, any existing treaty which is in conflict with that norm:
[A]. Becomes void and terminates (Article 64, VCLT)
[B]. Overrides the new norm
[C]. Remains valid for 10 years
[D]. Is referred to the ICJ for modification
Correct Answer: [A]. Becomes void and terminates (Article 64, VCLT)
(29). [AIBE 2018] Extradition and Deportation differ primarily because:
[A]. Deportation sends a person to face a criminal trial.
[B]. Extradition is the surrender of a fugitive to face criminal charges; deportation is merely expelling an undesirable alien.
[C]. Extradition is illegal.
[D]. Deportation is governed by the VCLT.
Correct Answer: [B]. Extradition is the surrender of a fugitive to face criminal charges; deportation is merely expelling an undesirable alien.
(30). An individual’s right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution is enshrined in Article 14 of the:
[A]. ICCPR
[B]. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
[C]. UN Charter
[D]. VCLT
Correct Answer: [B]. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
(31). [CLAT-PG 2021] Does an individual have an absolute right to be granted asylum by a State?
[A]. Yes, it is a peremptory norm.
[B]. No, granting asylum remains the sovereign discretionary prerogative of the State.
[C]. Yes, if they pay a fee.
[D]. Yes, if ordered by the UNGA.
Correct Answer: [B]. No, granting asylum remains the sovereign discretionary prerogative of the State.
(32). “Naturalization” as a mode of acquiring nationality usually requires the applicant to:
[A]. Be born in the country
[B]. Reside in the country for a statutory period and renounce previous citizenship
[C]. Conquer the country
[D]. Find a loophole in the law
Correct Answer: [B]. Reside in the country for a statutory period and renounce previous citizenship
(33). [AIBE 2019] In cases of diplomatic immunity, if a diplomat’s home country wishes them to face trial in the host State, the home country must:
[A]. Assassinate the diplomat
[B]. Explicitly waive the diplomat’s immunity (Article 32, VCDR)
[C]. Pay the host State
[D]. Do nothing; the host State can just arrest them
(34). The rule that a diplomat cannot be compelled to give evidence as a witness is found in the:
[A]. VCLT 1969
[B]. VCDR 1961
[C]. ICCPR
[D]. UN Charter
Correct Answer: [B]. VCDR 1961
(35). [CLAT-PG 2023] Under the VCLT, if a State’s consent to be bound by a treaty was procured by the coercion of its representative (by acts or threats), the treaty is:
[A]. Without any legal effect (Void)
[B]. Voidable at the option of the coerced State
[C]. Perfectly valid
[D]. Subject to renegotiation
Correct Answer: [A]. Without any legal effect (Void)
(36). Treaties must be registered with the United Nations Secretariat under Article 102 of the UN Charter. What happens if a treaty is NOT registered?
[A]. The treaty is completely void.
[B]. The treaty cannot be invoked before any organ of the United Nations (like the ICJ).
[C]. The leaders are imprisoned.
[D]. The UN dissolves the treaty.
Correct Answer: [B]. The treaty cannot be invoked before any organ of the United Nations (like the ICJ).
(37). [AIBE 2021] A material breach of a bilateral treaty by one of the parties entitles the other party to:
[A]. Declare war immediately
[B]. Invoke the breach as a ground for terminating the treaty or suspending its operation (Article 60, VCLT)
[C]. Arrest the ambassadors
[D]. Do nothing
Correct Answer: [B]. Invoke the breach as a ground for terminating the treaty or suspending its operation (Article 60, VCLT)
(38). The “Object” of International Law historically referred to:
[A]. Sovereigns
[B]. Individuals, territory, and property
[C]. The UN Security Council
[D]. Embassies
Correct Answer: [B]. Individuals, territory, and property
(39). [CLAT-PG 2020] Who decides whether an offense is “political” for the purpose of denying extradition?
[A]. The Requesting State
[B]. The Requested State (the one holding the fugitive)
[C]. The ICJ
[D]. Interpol
Correct Answer: [B]. The Requested State (the one holding the fugitive)
(40). Extradition treaties usually contain a clause preventing extradition if the fugitive will face the death penalty in the requesting State. This reflects the intersection of Extradition and:
[A]. Trade law
[B]. International Human Rights Law
[C]. Space law
[D]. Maritime law
Correct Answer: [B]. International Human Rights Law
(41). [AIBE 2017] The concept of Persona non grata applies strictly to:
[A]. Fugitives
[B]. Diplomatic agents and embassy staff
[C]. Refugees
[D]. Corporate CEOs
Correct Answer: [B]. Diplomatic agents and embassy staff
(42). If a State signs a treaty but has not yet ratified it, it is obligated under Article 18 of the VCLT to:
[A]. Implement the treaty immediately
[B]. Refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty
[C]. Pay treaty dues
[D]. Withdraw its ambassadors
Correct Answer: [B]. Refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty
(43). [CLAT-PG 2019] The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations was signed in:
[A]. 1945
[B]. 1961
[C]. 1969
[D]. 1982
Correct Answer: [B]. 1961
(44). The Re Castioni case established the legal test for determining:
[A]. Diplomatic immunity
[B]. A political offense in extradition law
[C]. The genuine link of nationality
[D]. Material breach of treaties
Correct Answer: [B]. A political offense in extradition law
(45). [AIBE 2022] Can a State invoke the provisions of its internal municipal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty?
[A]. Yes, municipal law is always supreme.
[B]. No, Article 27 of the VCLT explicitly prohibits this.
[C]. Yes, if it is a constitutional law.
[D]. Only if the ICJ permits it.
Correct Answer: [B]. No, Article 27 of the VCLT explicitly prohibits this.
(46). Subjugation or Annexation was historically a mode of acquiring territory. Did it automatically confer the conqueror’s nationality on the inhabitants?
[A]. Yes, mass enfranchisement occurred automatically.
[B]. No, they remained stateless.
[C]. Only if they applied for it.
[D]. Only the soldiers became citizens.
Correct Answer: [A]. Yes, mass enfranchisement occurred automatically.
(47). [CLAT-PG 2021] The International Criminal Court (ICC) exercises jurisdiction over:
[A]. Sovereign States violating trade rules
[B]. Individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern (genocide, war crimes)
[C]. Border disputes between countries
[D]. Maritime piracy only
Correct Answer: [B]. Individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern (genocide, war crimes)
(48). The inviolability of a diplomatic bag is an absolute rule because it protects:
[A]. Smuggling
[B]. The secrecy and freedom of official communication between the State and its mission
[C]. Tax evasion
[D]. Personal gifts
Correct Answer: [B]. The secrecy and freedom of official communication between the State and its mission
(49). [AIBE 2023] The ultimate jurisprudential objective of Diplomatic Immunity is NOT to benefit individuals, but to:
[A]. Ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions as representing States
[B]. Create a class of elites above the law
[C]. Insult host states
[D]. Protect spies
Correct Answer: [A]. Ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions as representing States
(50). The synergy of Unit III demonstrates that International Law has evolved to:
[A]. Solely protect State borders.
[B]. Regulate the micro-interactions of global society by protecting individuals, formalizing criminal cooperation (extradition), shielding diplomatic envoys, and codifying state promises (treaties).
[C]. Abolish domestic criminal law entirely.
[D]. Prove that treaties are mere moral guidelines.
Correct Answer: [B]. Regulate the micro-interactions of global society by protecting individuals, formalizing criminal cooperation (extradition), shielding diplomatic envoys, and codifying state promises (treaties).
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