506 Public International Law (Harrington)

LAW 506

Public International Law

(Harrington)

Prerequisite courses: None

Prerequisite for: Jessup Moot

Instructor: Professor Joanna Harrington

Method of presentation: lecture

METHOD OF EVALUATION

One mid-term evaluation (20%) and a final examination (80%)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a foundational course in an area of law that is not covered in first-year, and thus provides a foundation for taking advanced courses in international law subject areas such as international trade law, international criminal law, international human rights law, and international environmental law, etc. The course aims to appeal both to those looking for just one course in international law to round out their J.D. program, and to those wanting to sequence their courses so as to have a foundational knowledge before taking more specialized courses in sub-areas of international law. LAW 506 is a prerequisite (and in a pinch, a co-requisite) for the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.

Public International Law is not the same as Private International Law (Conflicts of Law). Public International Law is concerned with an entire field or system of law, separate from, but relevant to, domestic law (national law). Private international law determines which law applies as between two national law jurisdictions.

Public international law is concerned with the rules, principles, practices, and procedures that regulate the interaction between countries, and between countries and international organizations, and in some situations, between countries, corporations and humans. It is a field of increasing importance given the realities of globalization and the internationalization of legal practice in Canada and elsewhere. Lawyers dealing with people, transactions, and property in multi-jurisdictional scenarios need to understand the basics of public international law. Hence, when Harvard Law School underwent a sweeping reform of its first-year curriculum, it required students to take a course in either international law, international economic law, or comparative law.

The aim of this course is to cover the basics, including sources of international legal obligation, jurisdiction and immunities. As for specific topics covered, the course outline and a detailed schedule of topics and readings are routinely posted to the course TWENsite well in advance of the beginning of term. The TWENsite also provides 24/7 access to past exams, past feedback on exams, and other learning aids.

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2021-22. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXT:

TBA