Public International Law

Description

Overview: Public international law is concerned with the relationships between States as among themselves and with international institutions. As well as giving an overall view of the area, we will also look at specific incidents which have arisen and which have been dominated by international law, and which in turn have made huge contributions to the area. The intention of this class is to encourage informed and insightful legal analysis of international affairs both historical and contemporary. Syllabus: Public international law is concerned with the relationships between States as among themselves and with international institutions. As well as giving an overall view of the area, we will also look at specific incidents which have arisen and which have been dominated by international law, and which in turn have made huge contributions to the area. - Introduction to the sources of Public International Law - Sources and Treaties - Custom as a source of law - Statehood, personality and recognition - Collective security and use of force - Humanitarian Intervention - State responsibility and terrorism - Individual Responsibility - Human Rights - Pacific Settlement of disputes Learning Outcomes: - Students are able to demonstrate awareness of the main areas of application of international law - Students are able to demonstrate awareness of how differing interests and standards come to be resolved by international law mechanisms - Students are able to look more critically at state behaviour - Students are able to assess how effective international law has been in its attempts to resolve disputes Assessment: Moot before the ICJ involving written pleadings and presentation (60%) and a 90 minute in-person exam (40%)