This course treats the foundations of international criminal law. It traces the historical evolution (e.g. the Nuremberg and Tokyo precedents), the objectives and the relevant legal sources of international criminal law. It distinguishes classical horizontal approaches (e.g. extradition, mutual legal assistance) from vertical international criminal law (e.g. law of international criminal courts and tribunals). It further studies the substantive crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, aggression) as well as general principles of international criminal law (modes of liability, grounds excluding criminal responsibility) and impediments to investigation and prosecution (e.g. immunities, amnesties), based on contemporary treaty-law and the international practice. The course is designed to develop a critical understanding of law and jurisprudence and will provide ample room for discussion, practical exercises and interaction with invited lecturers.
Study material: Course reader
Course dates:
Lectures (Prof. Schabas)
Tuesday 25 October 14:00-17:00 Stichthage (13th floor), Campus The Hague
Wednesday 26 October 10:00-13:00 SH
Monday 7 November 14:00-17:00 SH
Tuesday 8 November 10:00-13:00 SH
Monday 14 November 14:00-17:00 SH
Tuesday 15 November 10:00-13:00 SH
Working groups (J. Powderly) on Thursday 3, 10, 17 November, 1 December 10:00-12:00 KOG, Leiden.
ICL Moot Court: Wednesday 7 and 8 December 2011, SH all day