730-442 International Economic Law

Legal Method and Reasoning; Principles of Public Law; Torts; Legal Theory or in each case their equivalents.

The subject introduces students to the central texts of international economic law and the practice of international economic organisations. It provides an overview of the key agreements covered by the World Trade Organisation, major decisions of its dispute settlement bodies and the policies and practices of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Students also study foundational economic texts, including those of Adam Smith, David Ricardo and John Locke, in order to explore the emergence and transference of economic concepts, such as the basis of property, the distinctive roles of nature and capital in producing wealth, the international division of labour, the nature of economic man, the narrative of development, the economic idea of the nation and the basis of debt. The subject draws on a range of theoretical material to enable close readings of legal texts and institutional practice. Throughout, students are introduced to contemporary debates and issues in the field of international economic law. These may include: the development of dispute settlement mechanisms and the 'constitutionalisation' of trade law; the implications of harmonisation of national regulation under the SPS agreement and GATS; security as an exception to general principles of trade law; trade and the environment; the use of trade law to promote and protect biotechnology; the TRIPS Agreement, the SPS Agreement and public health; the role of the World Bank in post-conflict reconstruction in East Timor and Iraq; land law reform under IMF and World Bank auspices; trade, human rights and labour standards.

Note: The essay in this subject is regarded as a substantial piece of legal writing for honours purposes.

Research essay 5000 words 100% (due end of semester) OR a final examination three hours 100%.

Printed materials will be issued by the Faculty.

• M J Tribilcock & R Howse, The Regulation of International Trade. Routledge 2nd edn.