Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Students will be introduced to individual criminal responsibility in international law. The history and development of international criminal law, its codification and implementation by applicable municipal and international institutions examined. The main categories of crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court - genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes - will be studied with reference to international instruments and case law. Various bases of responsibility, including command responsibility and joint criminal enterprise, will be examined, along with applicable defences and excuses. The application of contemporary international criminal law in Australia and future directions of international criminal law will be studied.

Objectives

1. To understand the basic principles of international criminal law and be able to evaluate the doctrines and processes that have developed in terms of those principles;
2. To analyse and interpret key documents which codify and illustrate international criminal law;
3. To understand how international criminal law is developed and implemented by applicable institutions; and
4. To demonstrate developed legal research, writing, argument and problem solving skills in relation to international criminal law.

Assessment

Research assignment (3200 words): 40%
Examination (2 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 60% OR Examination (3 hours writing time plus 30 minutes reading and noting time): 100%

Contact hours

Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites

LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104; LAW3300 or LAW3301 and LAW3302