Advanced Research Practicum: International Court of Justice: Jurisprudence & Current Challenges

2 credits, pass/fail

This advanced research practicum will engage upper-level J.D. and LL.M students in guided research and writing projects relating to the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the challenges confronting the Court in its recent and current docket. Research will involve the contentious and advisory jurisprudence of the ICJ, the procedures and working methods of the Court, and various areas of international law that present challenges to the judicial resolution of international disputes. After an initial series of discussions and guest lectures relating to the work of the Court, Practicum participants will be expected to prepare and discuss research memoranda on chosen topics. Potential topics of research and discussion include jurisprudential issues relating to decolonization; the influence of different legal traditions on international law; the use of scientific and technical evidence and amicus curiae; the non-appearance of States; the doctrine of abuse of rights; compliance with provisional measures and merits judgments; standing on the basis of obligations erga omnes partes; intervention by third States; forms of reparation; the identification of customary international law and opinio juris and its relation to treaties; state immunities; equitable resolution of boundary disputes; the use of human rights treaties in inter-state disputes; and the relationship between the ICJ and other international courts and tribunals. Students will work in small groups and individually under the supervision of the course instructors, and meet with the instructors individually and collectively throughout the course.

Method of evaluation: Paper. This course satisfies J.D. writing requirements. LL.M. paper requirement only upon the approval of the instructors.

Prerequisites & Qualifications: The seminar is open to upper-level J.D. and LL.M students who satisfy the prerequisites. Prior coursework in international law is required. Prior experience in the field of international law and/or international dispute resolution is beneficial.

Admission is by application only. Interested students should submit (1) a statement of interest that describes their interest in the course and their qualifications and satisfaction of the prerequisites, above; (2) a law school transcript (including prior law school transcript for LL.M. and transfer students), and (3) a CV. Applications should indicate “Research Practicum Application” in the email subject line and should be submitted by Friday, Aug. 25 to Professors Cleveland and Salas Kantor at [email protected] and [email protected].