International Law

This course introduces students to key concepts and doctrines of international law. The first half of the course examines fundamental issues including treaties and customary international law; actors in the international system, including the U.N. Security Council and the International Court of Justice; how international law is applied within the U.S. legal system; international dispute resolution; countries’ jurisdiction to prescribe and enforce their domestic laws abroad; and immunities for state and non-state actors.  The second half of the course focuses on four specific topic areas: human rights law; international criminal law; the law of the sea; and international law related to the existential threats of weapons of mass destruction and international environmental degradation.  The course provides students with basic knowledge needed for both public and private international law practice.