The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues referred to it by the UN or its specialized agencies. The court consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. The ICJ's decisions are binding on the parties involved, and it plays a crucial role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts through international law.