Unit name | International Law of the Sea |
---|---|
Unit code | LAWDM0028 |
Credit points | 30 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor Sir. Evans |
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 |
This unit examines the history and evolution of law of the sea, and in particular, the legal regime of the 1982 UN Convention. In particular, it examines the various zones within which maritime jurisdiction is exercised: the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, the high seas and the deep sea bed. It explores and explains the legal regulation of a range of activities such as passage and resource exploration and exploitation, whilst at the same time considering the range of political factors that have shaped the development of the law. Particular attention is paid to the construction of baselines and to the delimitation of maritime zones in state practice and before the International Court of Justice. The regulation of fishing and the principles bearing upon the exercise of jurisdiction at sea are also focused upon. Particular attention is paid to interferences with the freedom of navigation on the high seas and with addressing piracy. The unit also discusses the dispute settlement mechanisms established under the law of the sea convention.
Aims:
By the end of this unit, students are expected to be able to:
This unit is taught by way of 20 lectures (approx.), 10 two-hour seminars and 2 assessment preparation and feedback sessions. Lectures are delivered jointly to students on the related undergraduate unit.
Summative: a 2000 word essay (33%) will assess the candidate's ability to research a topic within the scope of this unit. The remaining Intended Learning Outcomes will be assessed in a 3 hour written examination (67%). Both assessments will assess all of the Intended Learning Outcomes for this unit in the context of topics selected by the examiners.
Formative: students should do one formative assessment (this will usually be 1 x 1500 word essay).