This guide aims to answer questions frequently asked of the staff at the Inner Temple Library. The sources suggested are not intended to be exhaustive. Rather they are sources that the staff have found to be most useful. The sources include free web-based sources and hard copy materials. Details of the coverage of the websites can be found at the end of the guide. Works held by the Inns of Court Libraries are available for consultation to members only. 

What is the definition of a treaty?

What do the terms bilateral and multilateral mean?

What are conventions, protocols and exchanges of notes?

What is an MOU?

What is an explanatory memorandum?

Where can I find a glossary of terms used in treaty research?

How are treaties cited?

What are the different stages in treaty making?

What does it mean to "accede" to a treaty?

What does a depositary do?

How can I find out who is the depositary for a treaty?

What are "travaux preparatoires" and where can I find them?

How are UK treaties published?

Where will I find the text of UK treaties?

Where will I find the text of treaties to which the UK is not a party?

Where will I find national collections of treaties?

How can I find EU treaties?

How can I check the status and the parties to a treaty?

What is the procedure for treaties that involve UK dependencies and overseas territories?

What are the contact details for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)?

Database Coverage

What are the coverage dates for the websites?