Fundamentals of International Criminal Law and Justice

Learn the history and development of international criminal law from World War I through World War II to the Cold War. Study the substantive contents of the discipline: specifically genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Explore key jurisprudence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and of the earlier United Nations' ad hoc international criminal tribunals for Rwanda and for the former Yugoslavia, as well as of the UN-backed special court for Sierra Leone. Review the political challenges that the ICC has faced in the bid to carry out its mandate. At the end of the course, students should be equipped with sufficient familiarity with international criminal law and justice, such as would enable them to work as interns or staff of relevant institutions and organisations, and to conduct deeper research and studies in the area as needed. Elements used in grading: Attendance and paper. This class will meet from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Tuesday, Thursday (January 18, 20) and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (January 24, 25, 27).