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Introduction to International Criminal Law

Approx. 13 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the principles and practice of international criminal law (ICL), including the sources of international criminal law, the jurisdiction of international criminal tribunals, the elements of international crimes, and the role of international criminal justice in society.

Key Learning Points

Gain an understanding of the principles and practice of international criminal law
Explore the sources of international criminal law and the jurisdiction of international criminal tribunals
Identify the elements of international crimes and the role of international criminal justice in society

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

International Criminal Lawyer
- USA: $102,000
- India: ₹1,052,000
- Spain: €53,000
Human Rights Lawyer
- USA: $87,000
- India: ₹1,311,000
- Spain: €41,000
International Law Consultant
- USA: $96,000
- India: ₹1,503,000
- Spain: €47,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the principles and sources of international criminal law
Identify the jurisdiction of international criminal tribunals
Recognize the elements of international crimes

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of international law
Fluent in English

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments

Similar Courses

International Law in Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes
International Humanitarian Law

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Former Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
Former Prosecutor, Nuremberg Trials

Related Books

Description

-- About the Course --

From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. We will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom. -- Course Syllabus -- This course comprises eight units (or "modules"). Each will include an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life. I will also offer video lectures on each of the topics, accompanied by slides. In addition, there will be online role-play exercises and debates, enabling the students to share their own insights. The order of class sessions will be: (1) History: From Nuremberg to The Hague (2) International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture (3) International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy (4) Special modes of liability: command responsibility, co-perpetration, and incitement (5) Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity (6) Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing (7) Pre-Trial Issues: plea bargaining, self-representation, and exclusion of torture evidence (8) Maintaining control of the courtroom -- Recommended Background -- You don’t have to be a lawyer and there are no prerequisites for this course. However, the course will be conducted at the level expected of advanced undergraduate students. Therefore, for all participants, reading and writing comfortably in English at the undergraduate college level is desirable. -- Suggested Readings -- Students should read the assigned online materials for each unit in advance of the class session. In addition, students are invited to subscribe to “War Crimes Prosecution Watch,” a free bi-weekly e-newsletter that summarizes the latest developments in the field of international criminal law. -- Course Format -- This course is made up of eight content units. Each unit is based on an online reading assignment, a video lecture of about one hour in length, and one or more role play exercises to stimulate on-line discussion. The course also offers in-video enrichment quizzes (ungraded) for each unit, a ten question multiple choice midterm diagnostics exam (ungraded), and a ten question True/False Final Exam. -- FAQ-- How will this course be graded? This course is graded on completion. In order to complete the course each student must: (1) finish each module (or “lesson”); (2) write at least one essay response of 200 words or more for at least one simulation throughout the course; and (3) get a score of 6 out of 10 or better on the Final Exam. What resources will I need for this course? For this course, all you need is an Internet connection, and the time to read and discuss the exciting materials available online. What is the coolest thing about this course? The topics we will be discussing are ripped from the headlines. The topics are often controversial and thought-provoking, and always exciting.

Outline

Introduction
From Nuremberg to the Hague
About the Course
Online Simulations
A Primer on International Law
Is International Law Really Law?
The Sources of International Law
Treaties
Customary International Law
The United Nations and the Formation of International Law
Reading Materials
Online Simulation 1
Online Simulation 2
Online Simulation 3

Peace Versus Justice
Peace Versus Justice
Reading Materials

Terrorism and Piracy
Terrorism and Piracy
Reading Materials
Online Simulation 4

Unique Modes of Liability
Unique Modes of Liability
Reading Materials
Copy of Reading Materials
Online Simulation 5
Mid-Term Multiple Choice Exam

Specialized Defenses
Specialized Defenses
Reading Materials
Online Simulation 6
Online Simulation 7

Gaining Custody of the Accused
Gaining Custody of the Accused
Reading Materials
Online Simulation 8
Online Simulation 9

Pre-Trial Issues
Pre-Trial Issues
Reading Materials
Online Simulation 10
Online Simulation 11

Maintaining Control of the Courtroom
Maintaining Control of the Courtroom
Reading Materials
2019 Updates
Online Simulation 12
Final Exam

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the complexities of international criminal law in this course. Students praise the engaging lectures and thorough explanations, making it easy to understand the intricate legal concepts.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Engaging lectures and thorough explanations

Pros from User Reviews

Thorough explanations of complex legal concepts
Engaging lectures that make the material interesting and easy to follow
Relevant and timely course content
Helpful discussion forums for students to connect and collaborate
Excellent resources and materials provided by the instructor

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the course content to be too dense and time-consuming
Limited opportunities for interaction with the instructor
No formal assessment or grading system in place
Course content may be too specific for those not interested in international criminal law
Some students found the course to be too theoretical and lacking in practical application

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