This judgment is an important advance in the ICJâs approach to environmental disputes for its thoughtful method of addressing the scientific issue on which the dispute hinged. The Court established an efficient procedure to elicit expert opinion from the parties, allowing judges and counsel to interrogate and clarify their understanding. It also developed an analytical approach that distinguishes the judgeâs role from the scientistâs, respecting both.
Although it imposes a hiatus on Japanâs whaling activities, the decision does not resolve the fundamental cultural conflict between those who believe whales should not be hunted and those who are willing to restrict hunting as part of a wildlife management program.