LLIR9501 Principles of Public International Law

The topic offers an overview of public international law, focussing among other things on the following issues or areas: the nature and sources of international law; states and other major international entities; the United Nations, reform of the United Nations, allocation of legal authority among states; state responsibility for harm to citizens and aliens; the use of force under international law and democracy and international law.

This topic is an introductory topic in public international law designed for students who have not previously undertaken international law.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the vocabulary and concepts of international law, which regulates relations between States
• Examine the role that international law plays in times of peace and crisis and how international law is affected by its political context
• Enable students to be conversant and critically analyse contemporary issues in international law, such as reform of the United Nations, democracy and use of force

1. Acquire an understanding of the structure, institutions, principles and vocabulary of international law
2. Develop the ability to assess the international legal implications of current events and Australian foreign policy
3. Identify the sources of international law and understand the debates between the developed and the developing worlds about their validity
4. Understand the relationship between the international and national legal systems
5. Explain the concept and implications of statehood in international law
6. Acquire an understanding of the history and debates concerning the law regulating armed conflict and the peaceful resolution of disputes; reforms to the United Nations and the debates surrounding international law and democracy
7. Develop the skill of applying persuasive international legal arguments in a domestic and international context