What is a key characteristic of international law?

A key characteristic of international law is that it primarily governs the relationships and interactions between states. This framework allows countries to enter into treaties, resolve disputes, and engage in diplomatic relations, functioning at a level that is distinct from domestic law. The application between states emphasizes sovereignty and the principle of legal equality, where states are bound by rules and agreements that they consent to, either through ratification of treaties or customary practices.

While international law can influence individual rights through various mechanisms, such as human rights treaties, it does not govern individuals directly in the same way that national laws do. Its enforcement mechanisms are often more fragmented and are not universally applied, as many international laws depend on voluntary compliance by the states involved. There is also no overarching authority that enforces compliance with the same scope and authority that domestic laws have over citizens, meaning it doesn't "override" national laws in a comprehensive manner, as each state retains its sovereignty.