International Law

3 units

This course introduces students to both the substance and process of international law. It is an essential prerequisite to upper-level courses in international law and legal process and is required for members of Washington University's Jessup International Moot Court team. It provides a foundation for the student wishing to specialize in international or transnational law and serves as a wonderful introduction to international legal reasoning and materials for the non-specialist. The course serves as an introduction to the basic principles of public international law including treaty law, customary international law and U.S. foreign relations law, as well as the resolution of international disputes through international courts and tribunals including international arbitration and litigation. It covers the legal frameworks applicable to international issues, as well as taking up the question of international institutional design. It is also a fun, interesting, and very relevant course, covering international law issues that arise during the course of the semester, including inter-state disputes about the participation of particular Olympic athletes, the onset of war, or exploding space objects. Many years students participate in a simulation during the semester in which they will represent a UN member state and debate an international legal problem in the UN General Assembly. The final will be a three hour in-class open book exam. From time to time, but not more than twice in a semester, pass/fail, short, reaction papers will be assigned in relation either to films or presentations by guest speakers. The use of laptops and other electronic devices is not allowed in class without special permission from the instructor. Attendance and participation are required. 3 units.