An appraisal of the International Law Commission of the United Nations. It sheds light on its functions and the process by which it pursues its stated goals of codifying and developing international law. It also addresses the dearth of systematic analysis of the Commission's work.

Morton (international law and politics, Florida Atlantic U., Boca Raton)says the agency charged with codifying and developing international law remains one of the world's least understood and appreciated legal institutions. After reviewing its history, he describes its functions and processes, emphasizing its progress on the two tasks of establishing a binding code of international crimes and creating a standing international court.