胡伯法官在帕尔马斯岛案中适用时际法规则时提出了关键日期,并且得到司法裁决、国际条约和公法学家的承认,因此,它是国际法的一部分。关键日期实际上就是争端正式产生的日期,法庭总是根据关键日期时的事实和法律来裁决当事国权利主张的是非曲直,当事国在关键日期之后的行为不能影响那时的法律地位。关键日期对时际法的确定、适用以及避免争端升级、维持国际秩序具有重要意义。 As Judge Huber put forward the key dates when applying the rules of international law in Palmas Island case and was recognized by judicial decisions, international treaties and public lawyers, it is part of international law. The key date is actually the date on which the dispute formally came into being. The court always decides the merits of the parties’ rights and interests according to the facts and laws at the critical date. The actions of the parties after the critical date can not affect the legal status at that time. It is of great significance for the key dates to determine and apply the inter-temporal laws and to avoid the escalation of disputes and maintain the international order.