War, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Seminar

3 units

Enrollment limit: 16. Drop deadline: 5:00 pm the day after the first class meeting. This seminar focuses on the jurisprudence of the ad hoc international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court. We will study their methods of legal reasoning, substantive law and procedures. Students will read a series of groundbreaking international cases as well as readings from scholars; films and guest speakers will supplement the readings. Students will prepare a research paper based upon a case of their own choosing that raises an interesting problem or set of questions in international criminal law. The seminar will meet regularly except during a three week period during which students will work on their first drafts, and have individual conferences on their papers. In addition to the paper, each student will do a presentation on their case to the class, worth 20 % of the final grade. The seminar's purpose is to permit students to deepen their knowledge of international criminal law while at the same time offering extensive guidance in how to research, write (and rewrite) an excellent research paper. Instruction in international legal research will also be provided. For the past few years, one or more papers from this class have been published in law reviews. A prior course in International Law, International Criminal Law, or some other international law course is helpful, but is not a pre-requisite for this course. 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.