Admission requirements
Basic knowledge of International Law and a sufficient command of English.
Description
The Aerospace Law course offers an introduction into public air law, private air law and space law, from both an international and European perspective.
The public air law lectures deal with the governance of international civil aviation, including the economic regulation of air services, through multilateral and bilateral aviation agreements. You will study the Chicago Convention of 1944, and the responsibilities of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for promoting safety, security and the protection of the environment. Within the context of private air law, airline liability and passenger rights will be addressed.
The space law lectures will introduce the main legal instruments in the field of space law and will address the legal aspects of commercial space activities, such as private human spaceflight, space mining and large satellite constellations, and the challenge of protecting the space environment from congestion and debris.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
To provide an overview of the main legal instruments and issues in the fields of public air law, private air law and space law
To explain how international civil aviation is regulated
To learn how to apply the key principles of airline liability
To study legal issues in relation to space activities and the use of outer space
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
To understand basic principles in the field of air and space law
To discuss the international legal framework of air and space law
To apply the principal international legal instruments in air and space law
To recognize and address legal issues pertaining to air law and space law
Timetable
Check MyTimetable and the schedule shared on Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: One 2-hour class per week for 10-12 weeks
Names of lecturers: Prof. S.J. Truxal, Mrs. Dr. T.L. Masson-Zwaan, Ms. D. Stefoudi, Ms. J. Choi, Dr. B.I. Scott, Ms. T. Aras
Guest Lecturers: Mr. G. de Vos (AKD), Ms. A. Schuite (Dutch Accident & Safety Board)
Required preparation by students: Reading designated chapters from the Reader Aerospace Law
Assessment method
Attendance Requirement
- 70% Lecture Attendance. Absence should be notified to the course coordinator.
Examination form(s)
- Open book exam with open questions.
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination consists of the required reading (literature) for the course, the course information guide and the subjects taught in the lectures and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 4.1.8 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations). Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course if they meet certain requirements. For more information, go to the website > ‘Law’ tab > ‘Retake a passed exam’.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Reader:
Reader Aerospace Law
Incidental additional handout
Recommended course materials
B. I. Scott & A. Trimarchi, Fundamentals of International Aviation Law and Policy (Aviation Fundamentals) (Routledge 1st ed., 2020)
T. Masson-Zwaan & M. Hofmann, Introduction to Space Law (Kluwer 4th ed., 2019)
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.
Exchange students have priority and will be registered for the course first. Any remaining seats will be available for students from Leiden University and other Dutch Universities.
Contact
Coordinator: Ms. Jin Choi
Work address: KOG, Room C1.03
Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 6444
Email: j.choi@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute: Public Law
Department: Institute of Air & Space Law
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0)71 527 8518
Remarks
Graduated professionals may attend this course as a Study Abroad student or as Contract student and apply via JPAO.