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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PL/LAW 320-2"
COURSE NAME: "Public International Law"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2025
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Michele Riondino
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the basic concepts of public international law, to enable students to critically evaluate the interplay between legal claims and power relations. Starting with a theoretical overview of the character, development and sources of international law, the course examines such law-generating and law-implementing institutions as the United Nations, international arbitration and adjudication, international criminal tribunals, national systems and regional organizations. Such substantive areas as the law of war (the use of force and humanitarian law), international criminal law, human rights, and environmental law will be given special attention.
[Course cross-listed as of Fall 2019]
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is structured to provide a thorough examination of public international law, offering students both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into its core principles and applications.
The course will begin with an introduction to the international legal order, addressing the distinction between international and domestic law; it will proceed to explore the main actors in the international legal system, including states, international organizations, and non-state actors, along with the scope and application of international law to these entities.
Central research questions to be addressed in the course include:
• Who are the primary actors and subjects within the international legal system, and what legal obligations do they hold?
• How is international law created, and what are its key sources, including treaties, customary rules, peremptory norms of international law (jus cogens) and general principles of law?
• What are the foundational principles of public international law, with special emphasis on the prohibition of the threat and use of force and other core legal norms?
• How does the international legal system respond to breaches of international law, and what mechanisms are in place for enforcement and accountability?
In conclusion, the course will provide students with the tools to critically assess legal issues in the international arena, enhancing their ability to research, analyze, and apply legal reasoning in the context of global governance and international relations.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- familiarize with the legal framework governing international relations;
-acquire the ability to interpret and apply international legal norms, including treaties and customary rules, to real-world situations;
-develop their skills in legal research, critical analysis, and argumentation;
-enhance their capacity to contribute to discussions on global legal issues.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| International Law | Klabbers J | (Cambridge University Press, 2023) Fourth edition | 978-1009304320 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| “Protection of children’s rights in the international community and the Catholic Church: a comparative analysis” | M. Riondino | Revista Española de Derecho Canónico | | | |
| An Introduction to International Organizations Law | Klabbers J | IV ed., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2023 | 978-1108820301 | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Mid-term exam | Essay questions | 30% |
| Final exam | Essay questions | 30% |
| Project | Oral Presentation | 30% |
| Class participation | Attendance is compulsory & students shall contribute to class discussions. | 10% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 7 May 2025
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Introduction to the Course.
An introduction to International Law: history and development – structure and nature of the international legal system – relationship with the domestic law
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The sources of IL
Case study – Nicaragua case
Law of treaties
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The hierarchy among the rules of international law and jus cogens.
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States’ jurisdiction and immunities under international law
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Klabbers, An Introduction to International Organizations Law, IV ed., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2022 (Ch.13)
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The International specialized Agencies
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Klabbers, An Introduction to International Organizations Law, IV ed., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2022 (Ch.13)
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State responsibility, international wrongful acts and their consequences
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Use of force MID-TERM EXAM
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Dispute settlement in international law
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International criminal law and the law of armed conflict
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International protection of human rights
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KLABBERS CH.6
“Protection of children’s rights in the international community and the Catholic Church: a comparative analysis” pp. 987 - 1007
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The seas, the air and the outer space
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Final Exam - oral presentation
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Final exam - oral presentation
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