INTERNATIONAL LAW
Obiettivi formativi
The main objectives of the Course are the development of the students’ understanding and knowledge of international law, and the strengthening of their ability to interact at the required levels (research, study, professional work) on the main subject-matters of the discipline, which permeates the evolution of the contemporary international relations.
Risultati di apprendimento attesi
Knowledge and understanding:
This course covers the foundations (historical evolution and nature, sources and subjects), implementation mechanisms (international responsibility, dispute settlement and enforcement) and specialized regulation (use of force, economic relations, environment and outer space) of international relations.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The course will provide students with a critical knowledge of the structure of the international community and the foundation of contemporary international law. They will also be able to frame the current developments of international law in legally appropriate terms.
Making judgements:
Through the acquisition and application of the international legal tools, the course will provide students with an autonomous capacity of analysis and problem solving from both a theoretical and practical perspectives.
Communications Skills:
As the course is delivered in English, students will gain a specific language proficiency. They are also required to develop legally correct contents by making reference to the foundations of international law.
Learning skills:
The course encourages students to critically assess the functioning of the international legal order and to apply their knowledge to the current legal issues. This will be also assessed through the final exam.
Contenuti Del Corso
This course covers the foundations (historical evolution and nature, sources and subjects), implementation mechanisms (international responsibility, dispute settlement and enforcement) and specialized regulation (use of force, economic relations, environment and outer space) of international relations. The focus is on both enduring foundational concepts and current developments, analysing the latter in the light of the former.
Testi Di Riferimento
Paola Gaeta, Jorge Vinuales, Salvatore Zappala, Cassese’s International Law (Oxford University Press, 2020) [G/V/Z]
Metodologie Didattiche
The teaching methods is based on classroom-taught lectures, with didactic supports and students interaction. This method generates a good level of involvement, fostering interest from the students. The course does not impose compulsory attendance, but the active participation of students is very useful for the preparation of the exam.
Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento
Final written exam
Criteri per l’assegnazione dell’elaborato finale
Assignment to be decided upon satisfactory results in the exam and good knowledge of the basic principles of international law.
Good knowledge of the English language and possibly of a second language.
Settimana 1
Origins, development and nature of international law (G/V/Z, chapters 1 and 2).
Subjects of International law: States and other entities (G/V/Z, chapter 4).
Settimana 2
Sources. Customary international law and its codification. Other sources of international law (G/V/Z, chapter 9). Jus cogens (G/V/Z, chapter 11.4).
Settimana 3
Sources. The law of treaties (G/V/Z, chapter 10).
Settimana 4
State sovereignty and its spatial scope (G/V/Z, chapter 5). Jurisdiction and immunities (G/V/Z, chapter 6).
Settimana 5
The individual in international law. Key features of international human rights law and international criminal law (G/V/Z, chapters 18 and 19).
Settimana 6
International law and domestic legal systems. Implementation of international law in Italy (G/V/Z, chapter 11.2-11.3 and additional readings).
Settimana 7
Implementation of international law: International Responsibility of States and International Organisations (G/V/Z, chapters 12 and 14).
Aggravated responsibility in contemporary international law (G/V/Z, chapter 12 and additional readings).
Settimana 8
Implementation of international law: International dispute settlement, diplomatic and judicial means, adjudication and quasi-adjudication (G/V/Z, chapter 13 and additional readings).
Settimana 9
Fundamental principles: Fundamental principles of international law and their extensions into specialized rules, processes and institutions (G/V/Z, chapter 3 and additional readings).
The use of force in international law (chapter 16).
Settimana 10
International law and the global economy: Overview of the main rules, processes and institutions governing international economic relations, with a focus on trade and investment law (G/V/Z, chapter 21).
Arbitration of investor-State disputes (additional readings).
Settimana 11
International law and the protection of the global environment: Overview of the main principles, processes and institutions governing the protection of the environment (G/V/Z, chapter 20).
The international law of climate change (additional readings).
Settimana 12
The international law of energy: Overview of the main principles, processes and institutions (additional readings).