Anzilotti

Anzilotti was an Italian jurist and international law scholar, Dionisio Anzilotti (1867-1950). He is best known for his contributions to the development of international law, particularly through his work at the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ).

Anzilotti served as a judge of the PCIJ from its inception in 1921 until 1939, including a term as its President from 1928 to 1930. His judicial opinions and scholarly writings significantly influenced the understanding and application of international law during the interwar period.

Key aspects of Anzilotti's contribution include:

• Dualism: Anzilotti was a proponent of dualism, the theory that international law and domestic law are distinct and separate legal systems. This contrasts with monism, which views international law as directly applicable within domestic legal orders.

• Positivism: His approach to international law was largely positivist, emphasizing the importance of state consent and treaty obligations as the primary sources of international law. He believed that international law derived its authority from the expressed will of states.

• State Sovereignty: Anzilotti maintained a strong belief in state sovereignty, arguing that international law should not unduly infringe upon the autonomy of individual states.

• Interpretation of Treaties: He contributed significantly to the methodology of treaty interpretation, emphasizing the importance of the intentions of the parties involved in the treaty.

His major publications include Corso di diritto internazionale (Course in International Law), which remains a significant work in the field. Anzilotti's legacy continues to be felt in international law through his influence on legal doctrine and his role in shaping the jurisprudence of the Permanent Court of International Justice.