L'interpretazione convenzionalmente conforme come tecnica di risoluzione delle antinomie fra diritto interno e diritto pattizio

This contribution addresses the principle of consistent interpretation as a matter of public international law. In this perspective, the interpretation of domestic law in a manner consistent with a state’s international obligations is no more than a corollary of the normative nature of international law and merely confirms the primacy of the latter over conflicting provisions of a State’s domestic law. After some preliminary remarks over the rationale of consistent interpretation, the author discusses its scope of application, the forms of its incorporation in national legal orders and the limits thereof. The focus is then on the broader implications of consistent interpretation. The author notes that judicial practice has enhanced the role of national courts in the interpretation and application of international treaties. This gives rise to a diffusive – indirect – mechanism of application of international law, which in turn contributes to its effectiveness. Consistent interpretation also strengthens the role of individuals in the implementation of treaties, thus falling in line with the current trend of “individualization” of international law. Interpretative efforts to bring national provisions in conformity with international obligations may, however, pose a threat to the certainty of the law. The final overview of the practice of consistent interpretation in its twofold – temporal and geographical – dimension points to an upcoming alarming trend, which disregards the principle of consistent interpretation and the effectiveness of international treaties, in particular concerning human rights treaties