Georgetown Law
Georgetown Law Library

Treaty Research

This guide describes resources and methods for locating and updating treaties of the United States and other countries.

Secondary Sources on Treaty Law & Practice

If you are new to treaty research, or are unfamiliar with a particular aspect thereof, start your research with a secondary source.  The introductory and in-depth resources described below provide information about treaty negotiation, ratification, entry into force, reservations, declarations, amendments, interpretation, termination, suspension, and state succession, among other topics.

Introductory Sources in Print

In-Depth Sources in Print

Introductory Sources -- Electronic Access

Max Planck Encyclopedias of International Law Online
From the purple menu bar at the top of the homepage, click on the "Subjects" tab and select "Law of Treaties."  Then search by keyword or use the filters on the left side to find articles on narrower topics within the field of treaty law.

UN Treaty Collection Resources
The UN Treaty Collection offers several introductory resources, including a Glossary of treaty terminology and a Treaty Handbook, among others.

In-Depth Sources -- Electronic Access