LLIR9504 Cultural Politics in International Law and International Relations

2016

4.5

1 Admission into MLAWILIR-Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations)
1a Admission into BLAWLPRH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)
1b Admission into BLAWLPRGH-Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Graduate Entry) (Honours)
1c Admission into MLAWILR-Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations)
1d Admission into MLAWILIRA-Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) [1.5 years]
1e Admission into JD-Juris Doctor
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e))

Culture and religion are major components of the current international debate concerning cultural relativism and international law and politics.

The topic will firstly examine how these legal systems and traditions have developed within their particular legal and cultural contexts, and how they operate in a globalised context and influence international law and international relations. The second area of study will be to review the literature in international relations on how culture and religion is impacting on how relations develop between nations and within the international political systems as claims of culture and religion often mitigate against compliance with universal norms.

This topic aims to:

• examine the development of certain legal systems and traditions (such as common law and civil law systems, the Islamic legal system, Australian indigenous legal traditions (including native title), and Asian legal traditions), discuss the interaction of certain legal systems and traditions with other legal systems, and their influence on international law and international relations

• examine aspects of certain legal systems relevant to international law and to familiarise students with the operation and implementation of international law within different legal systems

• enhance students' research skills in a comparative and international context

Students who successfully complete this topic will be able to:

• explain the development of certain legal systems and cultural and religious traditions

• recognise the interaction of certain legal and political systems and traditions with other legal and political systems, and of their influence on international law and international relations

• demonstrate enhanced research skills in a comparative and international context