Principles of International Law

Subject LAWS70173 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Bruce Oswald, Prof Stuart Kaye

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Principal topics will include:

  • Nature, purpose and language of international law
  • Sources of international law
  • International legal personality
  • Jurisdiction
  • Responsibility of states (civil and criminal)
  • Responsibility of individuals (civil and criminal)
  • The UN and regional organisations
  • The International Court of Justice
  • Peaceful settlement of disputes and the use of force
  • The relationship between international law and municipal law.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should understand:

  • The process, structures and language of international law
  • Sources of international law and how they are applied
  • Who the subjects of international legal rights and duties are
  • When states may and may not exercise jurisdiction over people, things and events
  • The position and relevance of international law in international politics and society
  • Foundational concepts of public international law
  • How public international law works in practice, its sources, and the institutional structure of the United Nations system
  • The distinction between public international law at the international level and as it is applied in domestic courts
  • Substantive areas of international law such as the law of war crimes, international economic law, human rights law and the use of force
  • The history of international law and its contemporary relevance
  • The significance of the UN Charter
  • How international law is political and yet detached from politics
  • Circumstances in which states may use force in international law.
Assessment:

Take-home exam (100%)

  • Semester 1: 7-10 May
  • Semester 2: 1-4 October

or

Research paper (100%)

  • Semester 1: 1 July
  • Semester 2: 25 November
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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