The course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of international criminal justice (ICJ), focusing on the various mechanisms, institutions, and processes involved in addressing and prosecuting international crimes. ‘ICJ and…’-sessions will address the interrelation of ICJ with human rights, environmental law and peace and security. Moreover, the limits of ICJ-approaches will be tested, including from an interdisciplinary perspective, eg in relation to transitional justice, victims’ rights and gender/women’s rights. Classes will explore the foundations of international criminal law, the role of key international tribunals, and the challenges and developments in the field. The course will encourage critical thinking and practical application of concepts through case studies and discussions.
The last part of the course is dedicated to a Mini-Moot Court in which students will apply their theoretical knowledge to a (fictional) case, prepare short written submissions as well as present their legal arguments orally.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- introduce students to the principles and foundations of international criminal law;
- define the different core crimes and differentiate between them;
- understand the operation of different international criminal justice bodies and their limitations;
- assess the impact of international criminal justice on transitional justice and post-conflict societies;
- identify selected legal and political gaps and challenges to international criminal law and discuss how the field (attempts to) adapt to them.
- Instructors: Christina Binder, Jane Hofbauer, Philipp Janig