LAW 7170 - Public International Law

This course provides students with an understanding of the system of public international law which regulates relations between actors on the global stage. Topics include: the nature of international law; sources of international law, in particular centring on treaty; interpretation, negotiation and compliance. Customary international law and general principles of law and soft law will also be covered. Participants in the international legal system, including statehood, legal personality and diplomatic protection; territory; state responsibility; jurisdiction and immunity; the relationship between international law and Australian law; the international law of human rights; the operation of the United Nations system, including the role of the General Assembly, international dispute settlement and the role of the International Court of Justice, and the law regulating the use of force and the role of the Security Council. Further topics will include fact finding, the particular case of international law and Armed Drones, and peace through international law.