| Unit name | International Criminal Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAWDM0129 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Mrs. Rooney |
| 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 provides an examination of institutional and substantive aspects of the international criminal justice system. The unit offers an analysis of the history, key features and effectiveness of international institutions created to investigate and prosecute international crimes, including ad hoc international criminal tribunals and the permanent International Criminal Court. It explores the jurisdiction and cooperation of national courts for the national prosecution of international crimes. In relation to substantive aspects, the course focuses on core crimes falling under the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The various ways in which actors can participate in international crimes and grounds for excluding criminal responsibility will also be addressed.
The contact hours for this unit will be 30 hours. This will usually take the format of: 8 lectures, 10 two-hour seminars and 2 assessment preparation and feedback sessions.
The methods for summative assessment will be 2 x 3000 word summative assessments (50%, 50%) for submission in the Spring and Summer terms.
The assessments will assess all the Intended Learning Outcomes for this unit in the context of topics selected by the examiners.
Formative - students should do one formative assessment and will receive feedback on the first summative essay
The recommended textbook for this course is:
Recommended reading:
Useful Texts:
Steven Ratner et al, Accountability for Human Rights Atrocities in International Law: Beyond the Nuremberg Legacy (3rd edn OUP, Oxford 2009).
