International Humanitarian Law

Subject 730-872 (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 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: Prerequisite

Successful completion of 'Principles of International Law' or equivalent
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Mr Bruce Oswald, Prof Tim McCormack
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be conversant with the international legal principles regulating the conduct of armed conflict
  • Understand the principal institutional structures for the implementation of international humanitarian law
  • Be aware of the influence of legal principles on military strategy and deployment
  • Understand the key issues for further development of the law and of current initiatives for change
  • Appreciate the existence of critiques of the efficacy of the legal principles and be able to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the law.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • The historical development of international humanitarian law and its rationale in a broader context
  • The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977
  • The unique role of the ICRC in armed conflict
  • The relationship of international humanitarian law to other related areas of international law, such as the use of force, arms control and disarmament, human rights and international criminal law
  • Implementation of the law, through case studies
  • Current issues for development of the law, such as anti-personnel landmines, child soldiers, the protection of women in armed conflict, the law of occupation and terrorism.
Assessment:
  • Take-home examination (100%) (28 November-1 December)
    or
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (22 January 2009) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
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: 730-872International Humanitarian LawMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Be conversant with the international legal principles regulating the conduct of armed conflict
  • Understand the principal institutional structures for the implementation of international humanitarian law
  • Be aware of the influence of legal principles on military strategy and deployment
  • Understand the key issues for further development of the law and of current initiatives for change
  • Appreciate the existence of critiques of the efficacy of the legal principles and be able to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the law.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • The historical development of international humanitarian law and its rationale in a broader context
  • The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977
  • The unique role of the ICRC in armed conflict
  • The relationship of international humanitarian law to other related areas of international law, such as the use of force, arms control and disarmament, human rights and international criminal law
  • Implementation of the law, through case studies
  • Current issues for development of the law, such as anti-personnel landmines, child soldiers, the protection of women in armed conflict, the law of occupation and terrorism.
  • Take-home examination (100%) (28 November-1 December)
    or
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (22 January 2009) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
Prerequisite

Successful completion of 'Principles of International Law' or equivalent

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, Prof Tim McCormackLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730872P12.500Semester 2NLawLaw730-872

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