LAWS6013
10 units
6000 level
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
Newcastle City Precinct
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of public international law doctrine, principles and the role of legal institutions
2. Identify and articulate contentious issues in public international law, and apply legal research and reasoning to generate proposed responses.
3. Critically evaluate the relationship between public international law and the politics of the international community.
4. Reflect on the significance of notions of justice, sovereignty and rights within the international legal framework.
5. Conduct high-level legal research, exploring primary and secondary materials, in order to generate and justify theoretical and practical legal propositions.
6. Prepare and present cogent arguments, orally and in writing that are, persuasive for a legal audience
Content
Topics in this course include the following:
- Nature of international law
- States and other international legal actors
- Acquisition of territory
- Sources of international law
- International and domestic law
- Treaties
- The law of the sea
- The use of force and the law of self-defence
- State responsibility
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes
- International criminal law
- International human rights law
Requisite
Students must be active in the
Juris Doctor / Grad Dip in Legal Practice [12334];
Juris Doctor [50016];
or the Master of Laws [12333] to enrol in this course.
Assessment items
Presentation: In-Seminar Presentation
Quiz: Online quizzes
Written Assignment: Research Assignment
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct
Online Activity-1
- Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Blended learning: online learning module for one hour equivalent per week for the full term.
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Attendance: 80% mandatory attendance in seminars.
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.