<P> The key principle is that the Court only has jurisdiction on the basis of consent . The court has no true compulsory jurisdiction . Jurisdiction is often a key question for the Court , because it is challenged by the respondent . At the Preliminary Objections phase , a respondent may challenge ( i ) jurisdiction and / or ( ii ) admissibility of the case . Article 36 outlines four bases on which the Court 's jurisdiction may be founded . </P>
what is the contentious jurisdiction of the icj
the Court only has jurisdiction on the basis of consent