Admission requirements
Basic understanding of public international law and / or the sociological aspects of armed conflicts and justice. Participants should read the required literature before class.
Description
This course intends to provide basic knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and fundamental aspects of international criminal law (ICL) in the context of past conflicts, including the conflicts in Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Sudan and with reference to the functioning of international courts such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court, and the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
This course will focus on and provide basic knowledge of:
- the development of IHL and its present relevance
- the protection of human beings in international and non-international conflicts
- international terrorism and IHL-rules
- the criminal prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity
Participants will understand the system of international humanitarian law, the interpretation of IHL treaties and identification of customary IHL-law and the interdependence between IHL and ICL.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Participants will understand the system of international humanitarian law, the interpretation of IHL treaties and identification of customary IHL-law and the interdependence between IHL and ICL.
Timetable
See: bachelor.
Mode of instruction
Seminars
Five four-hour classes in five weeks
Instructor: Prof. Dr. H. Fischer and guest lecturers
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Written exam (English)
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) for the course and the subjects taught in the lectures.
Blackboard
More information on this course is offered on Blackboard.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
F. Kalshoven, L. Zegveld, Constraints on the Waging of War; An Introduction to International Humanitarian Law, 4th edition, ICRC, Geneva, 2011
H. Fischer, International Humanitarian Law; Course Reader 2010-2011; Treaty Texts and Excerpts (Blackboard).
Additional literature and case law (Blackboard)
Course information guide:
Course outline; available on Blackboard
Reader:
None
Recommended course materials
None
Registration
Enrollment for this course is possible via uSis.
Co-ordinator: Mr. Dr. Erik V. Koppe
Work address: Steenschuur 25, room B1.29
Contact information: via e-mail
Telephone number: 071-527 7578 (secretary)
E-mail: e.h.uiterweerd@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institution: Public Law
Division: Public International Law
Room number secretariat: B1.21
Opening hours: 9.00-17.00 hrs
Telephone number secretariat: 071-527 7578
E-mail: e.h.uiterweerd@law.leidenuniv.nl