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Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 31 March 2004 in the Case Concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America)

International Court of Justice

2009 I.C.J. 3 (2009)

Facts

In 2004 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) heard the case Avena and other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America) and issued a judgment requiring the United States (defendant) to review and reconsider the death sentences imposed on multiple Mexican nationals. In June 2008, Mexico (plaintiff) requested the ICJ to further interpret the judgment and clarify the United States’ obligation. On July 16, 2008, the ICJ issued an order forbidding the United States from executing five named Mexican nationals, including José Ernesto Medellín Rojas (Medellín) until the ICJ had issued an interpretation of the Avena judgment. On August 5, 2008, the State of Texas executed Medellín, claiming that the execution was permitted by domestic law. On January 19, 2009, the ICJ issued its interpretation of the Avena judgment, noting that the United States had violated the July 16, 2008, order.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning

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