Dictum of the day, or on the wittiness of Australians

Mr. President, Members of the Court, I am a devoted but disgruntled South Australian. “I hereby declare the independence of South Australia.” What has happened? Precisely nothing. Have I committed an internationally wrongful act in your presence? Of course not. Have I committed an ineffective act? Very likely (...) A declaration issued by persons within a State is a collection of words writ in water; it is the sound of one hand clapping. What matters is what is done subsequently, especially the reaction of the international community. That reaction may take time to reveal itself.

Advisory opinion of International Court of Justice on the Accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of Kosovo (2010), James Crawford, Oral Argument for the United Kingdom, para. 5, 6 (10.12.2009).