Work

On reading travaux: Factors to consider when interpreting a treaty’s preparatory work

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Academic and judicial discussions about the preparatory works of treaties are usually focused on the definition of travaux and the circumstances in which such materials may be relied upon to interpret an international agreement. By contrast, little has been said about how the travaux themselves should be interpreted. This article attempts to fill this gap, through an analysis of international case law and scholarship from which a list of seven relevant factors to elucidate travaux can be drawn.

Source: Leiden Journal of International Law

DOI: 10.1017/s0922156526100727

Author: José Rogelio Gutiérrez Álvarez

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Universidad de Navarra

Language: English

Topic: Legal Language and Interpretation

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550