LEGAL ENGLISH AS A GLOBAL STANDARD: THE DOMINANCE OF ENGLISH IN INTERNATIONAL LAW

The paper addresses the rising hegemony of Legal English as a global norm in the practice of international law. On the basis of a critical analysis of its historical evolution, functional applications, and contemporary implications, the study foregrounds the central place of English in international legal communication, negotiation, and arbitration. Grounded in qualitative analysis of legal texts, treaties, and institutional practice, the article argues that English hegemony is not only linguistic but also cultural and geopolitical. While such hegemony facilitates efficiency and predictability, it also raises questions on inclusivity, legal interpretation, and linguistic justice in non-Anglophone nations. The article concludes by suggesting balanced multilingual policy and legal education reform to promote linguistic diversity in global legal practice