JUS COGENS

jus cogens (j<<schwa>>s koh-jenz), n.[Latin “compelling law”] 1. A mandatory or peremptory norm of general international law accepted and recognized by the international community as a norm from which no derogation is permitted. • A peremptory norm can be modified only by a later norm that has the same character. Cf. JUS DISPOSITIVUM. [Cases: International Law 1. C.J.S. International Law §§ 2–4.] 2.Civil law. A mandatory rule of law that is not subject to the disposition of the parties, such as an absolute limitation on the legal capacity of minors below a certain age. — Also termed (in sense 2) peremptory norm.

[Blacks Law 8th]