Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Law (Volume 3 page 219)
Law subject : Next:730-307 | Prev:730-341 | Search | Help
Optional Law subject.
Prerequisite: History and the Philosophy of Law; Torts and the Process of Law. Completion of or current enrolment in International Law.
Contact: 2 hours per week
Timetable: Second semester
Objectives:
The course is designed to examine the mechanisms and institutions involved in the resolution of disputes between states. Disputes which pose a threat to international peace and security will provide the focus for discussion. Students completing this subject should: understand the various dispute resolution regimes and the principles of law developed concerning them and be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses; appreciate the role played by international law in the resolution of conflict and understand the dichotomy drawn between international law and politics; explain the various factors which affect whether disputes are resolved by bilateral negotiation, good offices and third party diplomacy, or the processes of international organisations; evaluate the impact of international organisations (in particular, the major organs of the United Nations) on international dispute resolution; and evaluate the effectiveness of the international legal regimes designed to resolve disputes which constitute a threat to the peace.
Content:
This course examines the causes, processes and outcomes of international disputes. We will attempt to develop a framework within which international disputes may be analysed. We focus on disputes which threaten the peace, using current examples wherever possible. Legal doctrine will be considered in light of political interests and the contemporary structure of the international community. There is scope within the course to negotiate new or different topics, according to student interest. Topics to be covered include: the causes of international disputes and the participants in them; the role of international law in dispute settlement; methods of dispute resolution, including self help, economic sanctions, the use of force (including self-defence), institutional means (the U. N. and regional organisations), negotiation, mediation, international fact finding, international arbitration and judicial settlement. Other possible topics (depending on student interest) include: U. N. Peacekeeping as dispute resolution, institutional reforms to the U. N. to improve peacekeeping, threats to the peace (especially armament build-up), the role of the media in international disputes.
Assessment:
Research Essay 5,000 words (100 per cent).
Prescribed texts:
Law subject : Next:730-307 | Prev:730-341 | Search | Help
Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Law (Volume 3 page 219)
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Oct 9 1995 Last modified: Oct 9 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Law.
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.