War and armed conflict — Weapons — Nuclear weapons — Proceedings in municipal court — Statement of claim seeking declarations that threat or use of nuclear weapons in any circumstances prohibited — Whether use of nuclear weapons by Australia would be in breach of its obligations under municipal, international and transnational law — Respondent applying for summary relief — Whether statement of claim should be struck out — Whether statement of claim incompetent — Whether plaintiff possessing necessary standing — Whether statement of claim disclosing a reasonable cause of action — Whether subject-matter of proceedings justiciable — Constitutional and legal function of a municipal court — Whether municipal court appropriate forum — Whether statement of claim suitable vehicle

International Court of Justice — Advisory jurisdiction — Australia Member State of United Nations — Australia having accepted jurisdiction of International Court of Justice — Plaintiff submitting two questions for Advisory Opinions — Whether threat or use of nuclear weapons in any circumstances permitted under international law — Whether use of nuclear weapons by a State in war or other armed conflict would be in breach of its obligations under international law — Whether consistent with Court's essential judicial character — The law of Australia