Like scholarly teachings, judicial decisions are also listed under Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice as a "subsidiary means" for determining the rules of law. Thus, they are considered secondary sources in the international legal system, as indicated in the chart of the sources of law. They are therefore not binding, but persuasive authority.
The published decisions or awards of tribunals (including courts, arbitral bodies, or special commissions), even though often lacking effective sanctions or other means of enforcement, are important as evidence of international practice, as a source of treaty interpretation, or as defining customary law or the general law of nations. Note that these decisions have no binding force except between the parties as to the particular case. See Cohen, Berring & Olson, How to Find the Law. 10th Floor - KF240.C538 1989.
There is no principle of stare decisis or binding precedent; however, international jurists may use them in a number of ways: to direct and interpret a nation’s own international practice, as persuasive or binding authority in that nation, and as a means of establishing international custom and practice. See John W. Williams, Research Tips in International Law, George Washington Journal of International Law & Economics (1986). Available via Hein & UIC Law Library 10th Floor - KZ 3.W55 1981.