International Criminal Law (LAW385H1F)

At a Glance

First Term
Credits
3
Hours
2
Perspective course
ICT

Enrolment

Maximum
25
19 JD
6 LLM/SJD/MSL/NDEGS/SJD U

Schedule

Th: 4:10 - 6:00
Instructor(s): Andrea Russell

This course satisfies either the Perspective or the International/Comparative/Transnational perspective course requirement.

Note: The Blackboard program will be used for this course. Students must self-enrol in Blackboard as soon as confirmed in the course in order to obtain course information.

This course focuses on the ‘core’ international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of the laws of war (war crimes), as well as on certain acts of international terrorism. The various bodies established by the international community to respond to these crimes, such as the International Criminal Court and the UN ad-hoc tribunals, will also be studied. The course will examine policy rationales underpinning responses to international crimes, and will also include study of cases emanating from the major international criminal law legal bodies. Specific topics such as child soldiers, the inclusion of victims in the international criminal law process, and sexual violence will also be examined.
Students will be asked to analyze numerous contemporary issues and situations that have garnered headlines both in the legal world and in international current affairs.
This course is suitable for students with no background in international criminal law or in public international law. The course material builds on issues of public international law; however, relevant background will be provided in that field, such that there is no prerequisite.

Evaluation
one 500-word comment based on the readings (10%); one 500-word comment analyzing a legal issue before the International Criminal Court (15%) (comments will be due during term on separate dates of each student’s choosing); class participation (15% - based on a combination of attendance and input into class discussions); and a 5,000-word research paper due at the end of term (60%).