Juris et Judicii Fecialis

treatise by Zouche

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June 29, 2026

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Juris et Judicii Fecialis (1650) is a treatise by Richard Zouche, an English jurist considered one of the founders of international law. This work is recognized as the first scientific manual to cover the entire field of international law. Zouche's approach, which emphasized custom and contemporary precedents, has led some scholars to view him as the first positivist in the field. While not coining the term, Zouche was the first to adopt "jus inter gentes" (law among nations) as a more fitting title for international law than the older "jus gentium" (law of nations).12

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Richard Zouche
…his treatise on international law, Juris et Judicii Fecialis (1650), the first scientific manual covering the entire field. As custom and contemporary precedents loomed larger in his work than in the work of earlier writers, Zouche is thought by some scholars to have been the first positivist. Though he did…
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…his treatise on international law, Juris et Judicii Fecialis (1650), the first scientific manual covering the entire field. As custom and contemporary precedents loomed larger in his work than in the work of earlier writers, Zouche is thought by some scholars to have been the first positivist. Though he did…
Read More