This course aims to study selected current topics of public international law in more depth than is possible in the introductory LAWS4080 Principles of International Law course. The formation and operation of the rules of international law will be examined and assessed in the context of current events. The general substantive framework for the course will therefore not be selected until the semester before the course runs. By way of example, past topics have included international criminal law, State responsibility for internationally wrongful acts, international law and terrorism, the law relating to international humanitarian assistance, and law, violence and the international order. Specific topics to be examined within the selected substantive area will be chosen having regard to the interests of students taking the course. The objective is to consolidate and deepen students’ understanding of international law and the modalities through which it informs and creates the world in which we live.

International Law; Human Rights and Social Justice.

LAWS4080 Principles of International Law or equivalent (and possibly other subjects, depending on the topic areas selected) is a compulsory pre-requisite for this course.

To enable students to develop an understanding of the issues involved in complex contemporary areas of international law.

The topics to be covered will be advised once the course topic areas have been selected.

To be advised: please consult Course Outline.

A detailed Course Outline, Reading Guide and volume of Reading Materials will be prepared once the topic areas have been selected. These materials will be available to students from the UNSW Bookshop.