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International Law (LAWS70173)
Graduate coursework level 7Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
Contact information
March
Lecturer
Dr Carrie McDougall (Coordinator)
Email: law-masters@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352), International: +(61 3) 9035 5511
Website: law.unimelb.edu.au
October
Lecturer
Professor James Stewart (Coordinator)
Email: law-masters@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352), International: +(61 3) 9035 5511
Website: law.unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | March October |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to the foundational principles and rules of the public international legal order. It is designed as an introduction to international law and, therefore, provides students with an understanding of the key concepts of international law, its history and contemporary relevance, sources of international law and the role of some key international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN). The subject is grounded in both theory and practice in order to consider how international law works in shaping and dealing with a range of issues such as dispute settlement, jurisdiction and immunities, and the use of force. Contemporary examples will be used to enrich student learning. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the position and relevance of international law in international politics and society by addressing past and current developments through case studies. The members of the teaching team are scholars in international law who have developed specific areas of specialisation in international law.
Principal topics include:
- The nature, purpose and language of international law
- Sources of international law
- International legal personality, statehood and sovereignty
- Jurisdiction of states and jurisdictional immunities
- The responsibility of states for violations of international law
- Peaceful settlement of disputes and the functions of the International Court of Justice
- Regulation of the use of force in international relations (jus ad bellum)
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject should be able to:
- explain the salient features of international law as a legal system, and compare and contrast these features with those of municipal law
- identify, locate and interpret sources of international law
- analyse matters of international concern and apply pertinent rules and principles of international law to them
- construct, defend and critique arguments in support of particular propositions of international law
- reflect critically upon and engage with theoretical debates relating to the structure, content and efficacy of the international legal system
- undertake self-directed research on international law issues using printed and online resources.
Last updated: 31 January 2024