International law
expected to observe in their relations with one another. Some
international laws result from years of custom. Others originate in
general principles of law recognized by civilized nations. Still
others have been agreed to in treaties or determined by judicial
decisions.
Many of the customs of international relations have existed for
hundreds of years. For example, the ancient Greeks protected foreign
ambassadors from mistreatment, even in wartime. For about 2,000 years,
nations have given ambassadors similar protection.
Treaties or contracts between countries have been in use for thousands
of years. Many treaties are for trade between countries. Others are
for granting reciprocal rights to citizens, such as extradition
treaties.
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