What is the primary role of the International Court of Justice?

The primary role of the International Court of Justice is to resolve legal disputes between states. Established in 1945, the court serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is tasked with adjudicating disputes brought by states regarding issues of international law. It ensures that countries adhere to international treaties and obligations, upholding the rule of law on a global scale.

The court addresses various matters, such as territorial disputes, issues of state sovereignty, and violations of international treaties, making it crucial for maintaining peaceful relations among nations. Its decisions are binding for the parties involved in the case, although enforcement of its rulings relies on the cooperation of the states.

In comparison, other options do not align with the court's function. It does not hear criminal cases specifically; that role is reserved for other bodies, such as the International Criminal Court. Additionally, while the International Court of Justice may contribute to educational efforts regarding international law, providing educational resources is not its primary function. The oversight of elections in member countries falls outside its jurisdiction and is handled by different organizations and bodies focused on electoral processes.