This course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and problems of public international law and of the international legal system. The course will cover the traditional major topics in this field such as the sources and subjects of international law, the jurisdiction of states, international law and the use of force, and the relationship between international law and the internal law of states. It will also address newer themes in international law such as the international law of human rights and international criminal law. The course will review and discuss a number of international law cases decided by national and international tribunals, as well as certain treaties, resolutions and other international legal instruments of importance.
The primary focus of this course is upon public international law, which is traditionally considered to encompass the binding normative rules and principles dealing with the conduct of states and of international organizations and with their relations inter se. An important secondary theme will be the effect of public international law upon private activity.