International Law

Course Information

Course Number
L6269
Curriculum Level
Upperclass
Areas of Study
International and Comparative Law, National Security and Privacy
Type
Lecture
Additional Attributes
1L-Elective

Section 001 Information

Instructor

Section Description

This course examines contemporary problems in the legal aspects of international relations, with attention to the nature and sources of international law and the reality of international law in international affairs, the application of international law in domestic courts, recognition of states and governments, self-determination, the law of treaties, human rights, dispute settlement, use of armed force, jurisdiction and immunities, law of the sea, responsibility for violations, and enforcement through economic sanctions and criminal law. We will consider challenges arising out of the processes of integration and disintegration of nation-states and the emergence of new forms of organization, and prospects for enhancing the role of collective organs (including but not limited to the United Nations) in making and applying international law. International human rights law will be examined and will serve as a context for analyzing other issues. The systemic implications of the attacks of September 11, 2001 and measures in response will be addressed.

Course materials:

Damrosch & Murphy, International Law: Cases and Materials (6th ed., West 2014), and Basic Documents Supplement.

Grading will be based on (1) an examination at the end of the semester (accounting for more than 50% of the grade), (2) preparation for and participation in classroom discussions, and (3) timely submission of one or two short written exercises (approximately 2 pages).

School Year & Semester
Spring 2024
Location
WJWH 310
Schedule
Class meets on
  • Tuesday
  • Thursday
1:20 pm - 2:40 pm
Points
3
Method of Evaluation
Exam
J.D Writing Credit?
No

Learning Outcomes

Primary
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in a specific body of law, including major policy concerns
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in doctrinal analysis, including close reading of cases and precedents, and application to facts
Secondary
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in values-based considerations in law-making
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in the influences of political institutions in law
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired the specific lawyering skill of research into sources of international law, with emphasis on treaty documentation

Course Limitations

Instructor Pre-requisites
None
Instructor Co-Requisites
None
Requires Permission
No
Recommended Courses
None
Other Limitations
None

Other Sections of International Law

Section 001

School Year & Semester

Fall 2023

Instructor

Location

JGH 102b

Schedule

Class meets on
  • Tuesday
  • Thursday

Points

3
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