Principles of International Law

Subject 730-801 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - 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

Semester 2, - 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: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.
Prerequisites: Note

Candidates who have completed 'Principles of Public and International Law' cannot undertake this subject.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Mr Bruce Oswald, Dr Helen Durham
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be familiar with the process, structures and language of international law
  • Understand the principal sources of international law and the manner in which these sources are applied
  • Be conversant with the legal status of international institutions and have a basic knowledge of the structure and workings of the UN
  • Understand who the subjects of international legal rights and duties are
  • Understand when states may exercise jurisdiction over people, things and events, and when they may not
  • Be familiar with the circumstances in which states may use force in international law
  • Be able to undertake research in international law
  • Be able to communicate their understanding of international law through written argument.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • Nature of international law
  • Sources of international law
  • International legal personality
  • Jurisdiction
  • 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.
Assessment:
  • Take-home examination (100%)
    • Semester 1: 16-19 May
    • Semester 2: 17-20 October

      or
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1: 3 July
    • Semester 2: 10 November
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-801Principles of International LawMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be familiar with the process, structures and language of international law
  • Understand the principal sources of international law and the manner in which these sources are applied
  • Be conversant with the legal status of international institutions and have a basic knowledge of the structure and workings of the UN
  • Understand who the subjects of international legal rights and duties are
  • Understand when states may exercise jurisdiction over people, things and events, and when they may not
  • Be familiar with the circumstances in which states may use force in international law
  • Be able to undertake research in international law
  • Be able to communicate their understanding of international law through written argument.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • Nature of international law
  • Sources of international law
  • International legal personality
  • Jurisdiction
  • 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.
  • Take-home examination (100%)
    • Semester 1: 16-19 May
    • Semester 2: 17-20 October

      or
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1: 3 July
    • Semester 2: 10 November
Note

Candidates who have completed 'Principles of Public and International Law' cannot undertake this subject.

N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.Mr Bruce Oswald, Dr Helen DurhamLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730801P12.500Semester 1, Semester 2NLawLaw730-801

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