Treaty
3 definitions found for this term.
Definitions are presented in the order source books were published (most recent first).
An international agreement concluded between states or other entities enjoying international personality and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its particular designation.
An agreement between two or more subjects of international law that is intended to be legally binding and governed by international law.
An international agreement, also sometimes called a Convention. Under Canadian law, Canada’s signature on a treaty indicates its commitment to seek legislative approval of the treaty terms, usually by Parliament or other relevant legislatures passing appropriate implementing legislation. Once legislation is passed, Canada may indicate its ratification of the treaty — that is, it may notify the relevant international organization (e.g. WIPO) that the treaty is now formally binding on Canada. Unless legislation is passed, the treaty does not form part of Canadian law. Canada’s practice resembles that of most other common law countries, including the United States. The practice of civil law countries (e.g. France, Germany, Japan) sometimes differs, depending on the treaty. Some treaties there become part of the country’s law without the need for further legislation.