Principles of International Law (LAWS90295)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
August
Teaching staff:
Richard Joyce (Subject Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | August |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is an introduction to the foundational principles and rules of the public international legal order. It is designed to provide 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 global issues, including the creation, recognition and sovereignty of states, self-determination of peoples and the use of force in international relations.
Using contemporary examples and case studies which address recent and current developments, students will critically evaluate the position and relevance of international law in international politics and society.
The teaching integrates both content and skills in advanced legal research and writing. We will purposefully introduce students to the practices and protocols of advanced study in international law, as well as to the specialised knowledge and skills required of studying at postgraduate level in the Melbourne Law Masters.
Indicative list of principal topics:
- 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; and
- Regulation of the use of force in international relations (jus ad bellum).
Important information about this Subject
This subject is a pre-requisite for many other subjects in the Melbourne Law Masters. We recommend students enrol in this subject when they first start their program of study.
All students undertaking the following internationally focussed programs are strongly recommended to take either LAWS90295 Principles of International Law or LAWS70173 International Law (or to have had a prior professional or educational background in public international law):
- Master of Human Rights Law;
- Master of Law and Development; and
- Master of Public and International Law.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain the key principles and sources of international law
- Identify, contextualise and interpret sources of international law
- Apply the relevant rules and principles of international law to analyse matters of international concern
- Develop and critically assess arguments to support or challenge propositions in international law
- Conduct independent research, critically reflect and evaluate debates on the structure, content and efficacy of the international legal system
Generic skills
- Legal research
- Legal and scholarly writing
- Interpretation and application of international legal materials, including case law, treaties, and a range of scholarly work in different styles, genres and formats
- Presentation and discussion of topics and controversies in international law
Last updated: 8 April 2025