what should be the answer to this question ?
"In the absence of any form of international legislature of democratic states, international law was said to be based upon the consent of the states upon their individual acceptance of its principles and rules." Discuss.

According to me it should be...
Introduction
It is based upon consent of individual states as we have seen in the case of Switzerland which is not the part of UNO or America which has yet endorse the formation of international court of criminal justice.
Background
A big picture of evolution of Int.Law in precise form.
Current status of International Law
How the matters relating international arena are being sorted now a days
Different moods of Solving International Issues
Bilateral Treaties
Regional Treaties
Conventions
Vienna Convention etc.
International Bodies
UNO etc
Conclusion
A state is the basic ingredient of the international system of law and international law always require endorsement of a particular state to be implemented.

In my opinion it refers to the evolving stage of International Law when customary law was prevailing and any development towards advancement of international legislation was yet to occur (prior to 20th century). Especially when League of Nations was not formed and not much conventions or treaties were signed by the states.

The second part of the question relates to the "Theory of the Consent" propagated and supported by Anzilloti, Tripel, Oppenheim and others. This theory states that 'Consent' of an state to abide by principles of international law is the actual basis of International Law. It was later criticized by Starke, Smith and other renowned jurists. One can give one's opinion whether states gave their formal consent or their consent was considered to be already implied.

Then the factors may be defined that affect an state for having/not having consented to principles of International law.

* Recognition by other states
* Establishing diplomatic relations
* Claim protection or compensation for any threat/damage caused
etc

The conclusion should state why the consent was necessary at that time (if you think it was).

__________________
Verily, His command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says "Be!" - and it is! (Al-Quran)

Dear Redmax,

First of all, pardon me as i am not sure that is it a right place to post my query because, I am new to this forum.

I have been reading your posts and have found your English writing skills Extremely superb and awe-inspiring. Can you please guide me that how can i improve my English Writing skills. I have been preparing for CSS since August 2011 but i have found myself quiet struggling with my English writing skills.

One more question, My optionals are:
International Law
US History
Psychology
Geography

I have no prior background in these subjects , as i am an Engineer by profession. I have selected these subjects by keeping in view their scoring trends .Please comment on my subject selection with International Law in specific.

If you think you can cope with the mathematics and physics, please go for the two. If you can't, then your selection is fine. I must tell you mathematics and physics are equally scoring rather more scoring when you have what it takes to attempt the paper in time accurately. Consider the case of Mr. Afzal, 5th Position all Pakistan in 2009. And about International Law, its the right choice. Go for it.

Good Luck!

P.S (Next time, right query at right place, please.)

Regards,

__________________
Verily, His command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says "Be!" - and it is! (Al-Quran)