JJUA55085U International Law and Policy (NOTE! - This course has been cancelled in E15)

Volume 2015/2016
Content

The purpose of the course is to illuminate and discuss the interaction between public international law and international politics in the modern era. Public International law is examined from the viewpoint that it’s an independent norm-making system but also part of the general international political system. It will be examined how nations and international organizations own interest affect their behavior vis-à-vis international law and their interest in enforcing and developing certain norms.

The course is not a general course in public international law. It will include a brief introduction to the topic, but assumes a general prior knowledge of the basic norms and rules of international law. The course will focus on a limited number of topics where the interaction between legal norms and political realities are especially clear. These will be chosen in light of current affairs, but could include: The Israel/Palestine conflict; The International Criminal Court and the crime of aggression; cybersecurity law and Islamic State and the challenge from non-state actors.

Learning Outcome

To be able to discuss and present the basic rule of public international law, including but not limited to, the rules of interpretation, creation of new legal rules, the structure of The United Nations and the powers of its main organs. To discuss in detail the legal topics of the course and present the political and legal implications.

The final reading list will be done during the course and published on-line. It will include legal texts and current affairs articles and be of a total of 700-750 pages.

The teaching will require a large degree of participation from the students and will include moot-courts, presentations of various viewpoints and regular class-debates.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 364,5
  • Seminar
  • 48
  • Total
  • 412,5
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 min
Oral exam based on synopsis, 20 minutes
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Exam period

December 7 - 11, 2015 (preliminary dates)

Re-exam

Please see the 'Academic  calendar' under 'Exam' in the study pages