Principles of International Law

Subject 730-801 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

April, - 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, - 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 candidates background and experience.
Prerequisites:

This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts and norms of the public international legal order. It is designed for those who have no background or a very limited background in international law. Those who have completed an undergraduate subject in international law or have some professional experience are advised to consider other international law offerings.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Mr Bruce Oswald
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Be familiar with the process, structures and language of international law
  • Understand the principal sources of international law and how they are applied
  • Understand who the subjects of international legal rights and duties are
  • Understand when states may and may not exercise jurisdiction over people, things and events
  • Understand the position and relevance of international law in international politics and society
  • Understand and be able to use foundational concepts of public international law
  • Understand how public international law works in practice; its sources; and the institutional structure of the UN system
  • Understand the distinction between public international law at the international level and as it is applied in domestic courts
  • Understand substantive areas of international law such as the law of war crimes, international economic law, human rights law and the use of force
  • Understand the history of international law and its contemporary relevance
  • Understand the significance of the UN Charter
  • Recognise how international law is political and yet detached or autonomous from politics
  • Be familiar with the circumstances in which states may use force in international law.

Syllabus:

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.
Assessment:
  • Take-home examination (100%)
    • Semester 1: 3–6 July
    • Semester 2: 16–19 October

      or
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1: 30 July
    • Semester 2: 19 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: P12.507Semester 1, Semester 2NLawLawYNNNParkvillePARKVILLEPrinciples of International Law730-801Mr Bruce Oswald200924 - 26 contact hours per subject.For the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730801Melbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Be familiar with the process, structures and language of international law
  • Understand the principal sources of international law and how they are applied
  • Understand who the subjects of international legal rights and duties are
  • Understand when states may and may not exercise jurisdiction over people, things and events
  • Understand the position and relevance of international law in international politics and society
  • Understand and be able to use foundational concepts of public international law
  • Understand how public international law works in practice; its sources; and the institutional structure of the UN system
  • Understand the distinction between public international law at the international level and as it is applied in domestic courts
  • Understand substantive areas of international law such as the law of war crimes, international economic law, human rights law and the use of force
  • Understand the history of international law and its contemporary relevance
  • Understand the significance of the UN Charter
  • Recognise how international law is political and yet detached or autonomous from politics
  • Be familiar with the circumstances in which states may use force in international law.

Syllabus:

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.
  • Take-home examination (100%)
    • Semester 1: 3–6 July
    • Semester 2: 16–19 October

      or
  • Research assignment (100%)
    • Semester 1: 30 July
    • Semester 2: 19 November
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 candidates background and experience.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.

This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts and norms of the public international legal order. It is designed for those who have no background or a very limited background in international law. Those who have completed an undergraduate subject in international law or have some professional experience are advised to consider other international law offerings.

N.A.N.A.Law730-8012

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