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Barcelona Traction, Light and Power Company, Ltd. (Belgium v. Spain)

International Court of Justice
1970 I.C.J. 3 (1970)

Written by Megan Petersen, JD

Facts

Barcelona Traction, Light and Power Company, Ltd. (Company) was a corporation organized under the laws of, with a registered office in, Canada. Several citizens of Belgium (plaintiff) were shareholders in the Company. Belgium brought suit against Spain (defendant) in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the ground that the Spanish government violated international law and caused injury directly to the Company and indirectly to its Belgian shareholders by reducing the value of their shares. Belgium argued Spain should be held responsible for these injuries to its citizens.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning ()

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