Universität Wien

030168 KU International Judicial Decisions and their Political Context (2020W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The class is scheduled to take place "in presence" and the lecture hall provides sufficient space to respect the necessary distance rules. An alternative online format is prepared in case the university measures require to switch to digital teaching (which can be implemented also throughout the semester).

  • Thursday 08.10. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U18 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1 (Kickoff Class)
  • Thursday 22.10. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 05.11. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 12.11. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 19.11. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 03.12. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 10.12. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 17.12. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2
  • Thursday 14.01. 17:00 - 20:00 Hörsaal U22 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG2

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The class is addressed to law students with at least a basic knowledge of public international law (sources of international law, principles of international law, role of states and individuals). The class will focus on the analysis of several decisions rendered by the International Court of Justice during the last decades, put the legal issues in their political context, and evaluate how the ICJ performs its judicial function when confronted with political issues.

International affairs and politics continuously shape the development of international law, with international courts and tribunals as one of the actors to foster this development. Up until the early 20th century, international law in fact was not seen as a separate discipline but rather a continuation of politics at the international level. Yet, international law binds states and creates rights and obligations for its subjects. Questions answered throughout class include: Can political conflicts be settled by law? How are international judicial organs susceptible to political influence? Which type of cases are brought to the ICJ and why? What is the function of the ICJ as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations in the settlement of international disputes? To which extent does the ICJ foster the development of international law? Are judgments by the ICJ "effective"?

Assessment and permitted materials

Students will be assigned a case and literature for an oral presentation.
Class participation and an (open book/media) final written exam make up the further elements.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Oral presentation of a case (40%), participation in class (20%), final written exam (40%) - a total of 60% must be reached for a positive assessment

Examination topics

Students will be provided with basic reading materials on their respective cases, but are expected to conduct further research.

Reading list

will be provided on moodle

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 06.05.2022 00:15