Reviewed case brief

The SS Lotus Case (France v Turkey)

PCIJ Series A No 10 (1927)

## Summary

PILsovereigntyjurisdictionlotus-principlepermissive-rule
Court
Permanent Court of International Justice
Year
1927
Subjects
Public International Law
Reviewed
2026-06-18

Rule established

In international law, whatever is not expressly prohibited is permitted; states retain sovereign freedom of action unless a specific rule of international law restricts it.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        PCIJ Series A No 10 (1927); verified via PCIJ records

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.