LAWS4012Public International Law

Course handbook

Description

Public international law (PIL) introduces you to a legal system that operates at the international level. Like the domestic legal system, international law has normative and institutional frameworks that regulate the relations between states, international organisations and other actors with the objective of promoting the rule of law in their encounters. PIL governs relations across a myriad of topics ranging from the moon to the deep seabed, from climate change to gender and social justice issues. The course explores the nature of international law, competing notions of sovereignty, the making and enforcement of international law and the dilemma of conflict resolution between parties under international law. Special attention will be paid to statehood and the recognition of states, the prohibition of the use of force and aggression, and topical issues in international law, such as criminal justice, the law of armed conflict, human rights and the law of the sea. Students will gain knowledge of the public international legal framework and be exposed to a range of controversial debates which reflect the highly politicised nature of international law. A blended learning format will enable active learning and encourage student engagement with topical issues.

Availability2024 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. A thorough and contextual knowledge of public international law doctrine, principles and the role of legal institutions, in the areas covered during the course.

2. The capacity to identify contentious issues in public international law, and apply legal doctrine to solve problems.

3. A critical perspective on the relationship between public international law and the politics of the international community.

4. A reflective understanding of the significance of notions of justice, sovereignty and rights within the international legal framework.

5. The ability to conduct high-level legal research, exploring primary and secondary materials, and provide critical analysis of problems and questions.

6. The capacity to prepare and present cogent arguments, orally and in writing, and make productive contributions to class debate and discussion.

Content

The topics in this course include the following:

1. Nature of international law
2. States and other international legal actors
3. Acquisition of territory
4. Sources of international law
5. International and domestic law
6. Treaties
7. The law of the sea
8. The use of force and the law of self-defence
9. State responsibility
10. Peaceful settlement of international disputes
11. International criminal law
12. International human rights law

Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the programs:

[12340] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12341] Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12342] Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12343] Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws(Honours)

[12346] Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[12347] Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice

[12348] Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40036] Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40037] Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40129] Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40130] Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40150] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40188] Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40189] Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40272] Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40279] Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40280] Bachelor of Biomedicine/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[40290] Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

[50005] Bachelor of Media and Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Assumed knowledge

LAWS1010, LAWS1011, LAWS1020, LAWS1021, LAWS2030, LAWS3040, LAWS3041, and LAWS4001.

Assessment items

Presentation: In-Seminar Presentation

Quiz: Online quizzes

Written Assignment: Research assignment
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.