Public international law is that branch of the law which governs the everyday life of the international society.

Three one hour lectures per week - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1000
Tutorials: 4 x one hour

315B Public International Law

8RIU Public International Law

None

Degree Exam: 2 x hour exam (100%)

The principal aim of this course is to provide an introductory overview of public international law, showing what international law is, what its principal divisions are, how it works and what its strengths and weaknesses are.
It also aims to provide an understanding of the nature and sources of international law, introduce the elements of the main subject areas of international law, contemporary developments in the subject, and the principal areas of international conflict and the main actors on the international stage; and to foster an appreciation of the role played by international law in the settlement of international disputes. Finally, the course also aims to develop your critical reading and international law problem solving skills; to develop your basic communication skills through participation in tutorial debates; to introduce you to basic international legal research and IT skills using the Internet; and to familiarise you with the professional role and career choices of the international lawyer.

By the end of this course each student will be able to : understand the nature and
sources of international law; understand the principal areas of international law
and be aware of principal contemporary developments; analyse an international
legal problem and identify the applicable legal rules; assess the effectiveness
of international law as a means of resolving international conflict; participate in
oral debate on international law issues; carry out basic international legal
research using the Internet.

Students must attempt the assessment.