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  3. International Law and Politics

International Law and Politics (LAWS90023)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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May
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The course will examine the ways in which ‘political’ arguments and considerations intrude in the various fields of public international law and are then translated into legal doctrines and principles in legal practice. It will thus offer a contextual reading of the role of international law – use of force, human rights, international criminal law, international economic law – in the struggle for the adoption of spiritual and material values in the world

Principal topics include:

  • A brief contextual history of the 'rise' of modern international law (1870-2000)
  • An analysis of the structure of international legal argument
  • A study of history and structure in the following fields:
    • Sovereignty
    • Sources of international law
    • Use of force
    • Human rights
    • International criminal law
    • International investment law
    • International environmental law.

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:



  • Have a sophisticated understanding of the history and structure of international legal argument
  • Possess critical awareness of the political and value-laden character of international legal rules and practices
  • Be able to construct professionally competent legal arguments in key fields of international law
  • Have the capacity to be an engaged participant in debates about the role and value of international law as an argumentative practice.

Last updated: 3 November 2022