The course is designed to provide an understanding of the theoretical foundation of international law. The operation of international law in practice is considered with particular reference to human rights. Initially the development of international law as a legal system is examined from a historical perspective. Then the major influencing factors, which have determined and continue to determine the scope and nature of international human rights law, as a legal system are identified.

10 x 2 hours seminars in Semester 2.

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3 hour examination (100%)

Knowledge Based aims:
to explore in depth some of the core issues in public international law and a number of related conceptual questions.

Skills Based aims
to develop powers of critical analysis;
to provide students with experience of working in groups and to foster group discussion on theoretical issues;
to encourage independent reading.

By the end of the course, students should:

have a critical understanding of fundamental concepts of public international law;
be able to identify and critically assess the implications of those concepts in the substantive exposition of public international law.

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