LAW4122 · Public international law

Overview

Topics include: theory of international law; the place of States in international law, including their rights, obligations, status and jurisdiction; the sources of international law and how they are interpreted and applied; the implementation of international law by states, in particular Australia's approach; the nature of international disputes and their resolution; the law related to the use of force by States and self-defence; the role of international institutions; the role of individuals in international law; and specific areas of public international law, including the law of the sea and environmental law.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the foundational principles, structures, and theories of public international law, including its relationship with domestic legal systems, the centrality of the state, and the concept of sovereignty.
2. Analyse and interpret international legal rules and institutions by applying recognised sources of international law, understanding the political context in which they operate, and deconstruct how sovereignty shapes legal outcomes.
3. Compare and evaluate differing state approaches to international law, with particular attention to Australia’s practice, the framework established under the UN Charter, and the positions of major powers such as China and the United States.
4. Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of international law, and be able to communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively on issues pertaining to international law and sovereignty.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.