| Unit name | General Principles of International Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAWDM0026 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Achilles Skordas |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | University of Bristol Law School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The unit critically explores the fundamental principles of international law, as they were structured by the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The course’s main purpose is to make students familiar with the case-law and judicial policy, as well as with the politics and policies of states with regard to the general principles of international law. The unit also discusses the evolution of the principles, the strategies of the states involved, the content and function of dissenting and separate opinions, as well as the alternative interpretations of the norms in question. In this context, customary law and soft law are of particular significance as avenues for the progressive transformation of state policies into law; other principles and issues that are discussed include self-determination, the prohibition of genocide, diplomatic protection, immunity, protection of property under international law, and the limits for the use of force in international relations. The unit considers a number of key inter-related questions: in particular, what is international law and why does it matter? To whom does it apply? Where are the rules of this legal order to be found, and how are they enforced? The unit is designed to make students think critically about the structure, sources and function of international law and the relevance of these issues to contemporary international problems.
By the end of this unit, students are expected to be able to achieve the following:
a)identify and understand the general principles of international law
b)critically analyse these general principles from a variety of perspectives
c) familiarize themselves with the particular features of the case-law of the ICJ;
d) use the case-law of the International Court as a guide in advising governments and international organizations;
e) identify the ‘alternative futures’ of international law .
11, 2 hour seminars
One three-hour closed book examination in May/June, in which students answer 4 questions (at least one essay and at least one problem) from a choice of 10 or 11 questions. Formative - students should do one formative assessment and may do two
Evans (ed.), International Law (3rd ed., 2010).
