Laws 243Current Legal Issues

Assistant Professor Dr Myra WilliamsonKILAW

Fall semester 2012

Introduction

Dr Myra Williamson From New Zealand

BA (Politics) – Bachelor of ArtsLLB (Hons) – Bachelor of LawsLLM (Hons) – Master of LawsPhD – Doctor of Philosophy

BackgroundFamilyWork

Research interests

My teaching philosophyActive learnersLife-long learnersSocratic method Discussion and debate is always

welcomeFriendly and positive classroom

atmosphere

Contact informationContact information

Open door policyOffice 54 Email: drmyrawilliamson@gmail.comWebsite: drmyrawilliamson.com Phone extension: ?

Timetable Sunday 12.00-12.50

F234

Tuesday 12.00-12.50 F234

Thursday 12.00-12.50F234

Introductions continued…• Students

Who are you? Why are you studying law? Why are you studying this paper? What do you want to do when you

finish? Work? Post-graduate study?

What you need to bring to classLoose-leaf note paper or notebookPensFolder (for keeping all handouts and notes)Textbook/readings when availableA positive attitudeAn open mind

About this course…Paper title:

Current Legal Issues

Specific topic this semester:

“The use of force in international law”

Why this topic?What do you know about this topic?

Course textbook/readingsShaw, M International Law (6th ed, Oxford University Press, 2008)

Aust, A Handbook of International Law (2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 2010)

Gray, C International Law and the Use of Force (3rd ed, Oxford University Press, 2008)

Williamson, M Terrorism, War and International Law (Ashgate, 2009)

UN Charter – available online

Other materials that are handed out during class

Course descriptionAll organized societies face the

problem of controlling, by law, the use of force.

International society is no exception. In fact, the control of the use of force in the international arena has proved to be one of the most intractable (difficult) problems in international law.

Course description continued…This course will examine the international law on the use of force.

It will introduce students to the laws relating to the prohibition of the use of force and discuss their exceptions, both agreed and controversial.

Course objectives - 1To provide students with an understanding of the historical development of the characterization of the use of force as unlawful and of the development of the UN system of collective security.

Course objectives - 2To develop students' knowledge and understanding of the rules relating to the prohibition of the use of force and the exceptions, both agreed and controversial, to those rules.

Course objectives - 3To examine and critically assess the appropriateness, relevance and effectiveness of the international community's attempts, both past and present, to institute collective responses to the unlawful use of force.

Skills to develop1. Knowledge

2. Cognitive skills

3. Interpersonal skills and responsibility

4. Numerical and communication skills

1. KnowledgeThis course will help you to develop an academic

interest in the nature and function of one specific area of international law

The course will help you to understand different legal issues which are necessary for you to be able to continue in your legal education.

The knowledge that you acquire in this course complements knowledge gained in other international law courses (eg. Public international law, international environmental law, human rights etc)

2. Cognitive skillsStudents will be encouraged to apply

theoretical considerations to different problems and cases

Students will be required to co-ordinate elements of the theory and practice by utilizing different legal texts

3. Interpersonal skills and academic freedomThe student should be able to take responsibility

for their own learning.

The student should be able to identify the various problems raised in different areas of law.

Debate and discussion are vitally important – disagreements with the teacher will not affect the student’s grades. You are free – and strongly encouraged - to develop your own thinking and ideas.

4. Communication skillsThe student will develop her skills in

communicating her ideas, both orally and in writing.

The student will demonstrate her ability to use new technologies to complete her research and in the preparation of her assignments and projects

Course content: what are we going to cover?Course participants will examine the law and practice relating to United Nations (UN) enforcement and peacekeeping action, including the changing nature and role of UN security actions in the post-Cold War era.

…

Course content continued…The course will pay particular attention to

the development of unilateral security actions such as the war in Iraq (2003) and the war in Afghanistan (2011) and discuss other recent developments such as the legality of the doctrine of pre-emptive force.

Recent events, such as the Arab revolutions, will also be discussed in the context of considering whether the use of force is possible and/or appropriate.

AssessmentLet’s discuss the assessment options

Confirmed: Total = 100%Final Exam = 60%

Negotiable: 40% Test or quiz?Class attendance and participation?Essay? In-class or take home?Student presentations?Mid-term exam – 20%?