LS4077: THE EVOLUTION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW IN A WORLD OF CRISES (2014-2015)

Course Aims: The course aims to analyse recent developments in public international law, with a special emphasis on evidentiary problems of State practice. It first considers the sources of public international law and whether ‘soft law’ can be a substitute. The question is then asked whether traditional public international law can regulate pressing issues on the international plane, and how far it should change; examples of these problems are: international terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, protection of human rights, ethnic conflicts, and climate change. The course encourages the student to think creatively as an international lawyer to resolve contemporary international dilemmas. Main Learning Outcomes:

An enhanced knowledge of general public international law;

An ability to access, and use for analysis, relevant texts and electronic databases;

An ability to organise and communicate ideas clearly and cogently;

Skills of interpretation, analysis, critical reasoning, and independent thought in relation to current key aspects of public international law;

An ability to understand the political and historical context in which public international law operates and changes. Content: Analysis of recent developments of public international law.

This course is also available to candidates for the MA in Legal Studies as a 30 credit point course (LX 4077).

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View LS4077 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (75%), one counting essay (25%) of 2,500 words for LLB honours students and of 3,000 words for MA students in Legal Studies. Resit: Normally, no resit is available.

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

None.