1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. UN Law and Practice

UN Law and Practice (LAWS90249)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2024 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2024 version of this subject

Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
March
FeesLook up fees

The United Nations (UN) is probably the boldest experiment in international relations in the modern era. It is a body of critical importance in the international political and legal arena, particularly with respect to its primary purposes of maintaining international peace and security; maintaining friendly relations among nations; facilitating international cooperation and providing a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in achieving these common ends.

This subject aims to give students an understanding of the UN's role, structure and operation, from both a legal and a practical standpoint. To this end, the subject will examine the law and operation of the UN with reference to relevant case studies. These case studies will be used as examples to illustrate the successes and failures of the UN since its inception, and as a basis for examining the challenges that the UN may face in the future.

Principal topics will include:

  • The history and evolution of the UN
  • The structure of the UN
  • The law and practice of the General Assembly and Security Council
  • The role of the UN Secretary-General
  • The role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject should be able to:

  • Examine and explain a range of UN documents including Security Council resolutions and Secretary-General reports
  • Analyse and interpret international jurisprudence dealing with the UN
  • Interrogate and evaluate the abilities of the UN to maintain international peace and security
  • Critically evaluate the extent to which the UN is accountable of its actions and omissions.

Generic skills

  • An advanced understanding of how the UN system functions – especially in the context of maintaining international peace and security
  • A detailed understanding of the legal framework that surrounds the UN
  • A sophisticated understanding of the key legal principles associated with UN law and practice
  • An understanding to independently identify and analyse some of the challenges facing the UN in the short and medium term.

Last updated: 8 November 2024