Public International Law and Domestic Implementation

Instructors

Ingrid BARNSLEY

Credits / Language / Semester

2Credits / English / Summer

Objectives/Overview

This course aims to provide students (with no legal background) with an overview of the politics, rules and institutions of public international law, and its implementation in practice. After a general introduction to the history and contours of international law, students will explore several case in-depth studies of ‘real world’ issues, the international laws and institutions developed to address them, and the operation of those regimes in practice. In exploring these case studies, particular emphasis will be placed on the practical implementation of international laws, of comparing differing approaches to such implementation, and of the comparative successes and limitations of the international legal response to such fundamental issues of global concern such as the use of force, regulation of the seas, climate change, trade and human rights.

Keywords

Public international law, state sovereignty, domestic implementation, international negotiation

Schedule

Day 1 (21 June)
1. Introduction to public international law (1)
2. Introduction to public international law (2)
3. International law and national law
4. Case Study 1: The use of force (1)
5. Case Study 1: The use of force (2)

Day 2 (28 June)
6. Case Study 2: The law of the sea (1)
7. Case Study 2: The law of the sea (2)
8. Case Study 3: Climate Change and Environmental Protection (1)
9. Case Study 3: Climate Change and Environmental Protection (2)
10. Case Study 4: International trade (1)

Day 3 (5 July)
11. Case Study 4: International trade (2)
12. Case Study 5: Human rights (1)
13. Case Study 5: Human rights (2)
14. Class negotiation exercise
15. Class negotiation exercise

Teaching Methods

Lecture, discussion, simulated class negotiation exercise

Grading

Grading will be based on class participation (25%), group presentations in a class negotiation exercise (25%), and a final paper (50%).

Required Textbooks

M Dixon,Textbook on International Law (7th edn, 2013, Oxford University Press)

Reference Books

Additional materials will be provided to registered students to download themselves in advance of the course commencing.

Notes on Taking the Course

This course, and the assessment, will be conducted entirely in English.

It is not necessary to have undertaken previous studies in law to take the course. - the course has been designed with non-law students in mind.

Related Resources

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