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. You will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. You will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And you will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom.
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. The course 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 courtroo.
| Case Western Reserve University | |
| Coursera | |
| 6-10 hours (per week) | |
| English | |
| Spanish | |
| International Law | |
| 8 Weeks |
