International Humanitarian Law
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LAWW3141 | Law | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LAWW3141
- School
- Law
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
International humanitarian law examines the law applicable in armed conflict (sometimes known as the law of war and/or the law of armed conflict). This module will commence by asking a series of questions about the purpose of international humanitarian law and whether it can even be possible to have a law of armed conflict. It then turns to the classification of conflicts, ie international and non-international armed conflicts, before exploring in depth the substantive rules and on targeting persons and objects, humane treatment, prisoners of war, weapons and so on. The module concludes by tackling questions about the effectiveness and implementation of international humanitarian law, through doctrines such as belligerent reprisals, criminal enforcement and fact-finding.
Target Students
Available to final-year undergraduate students in the School of Law who have studied/are studying LAWW3100 Foundations of Public International Law. Also available to exchange students based in the School of Law.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
This module is taught in a seminar format.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: Coursework: 100%.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the essential elements of international humanitarian law - conceptual, institutional and substantive, and in an interactive and flexible manner.This module aims to introduce students to elements of international humanitarian law, including principles and laws, concerned with non-international and international armed conflicts. It will consider the significance of established legal frameworks in historic and contemporary conflicts, with express consideration given to the law-in-context. As such, one aim of this module is to introduce students to not only the body of law but will encourage analysis of specific conflicts and situations on the ground to illustrate some of the strengths and limitations of how legal rules are relevant to practice. There will be a focus on enabling students to acquire or develop the skills of identifying, evaluating and using international humanitarian law material.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
The module will develop a student’s knowledge of international humanitarian law, especially its relation to other aspects of the public international law canon (human rights, international criminal law, international refugee law, international law governing the use of force (jus ad bellum)). It will promote an understanding of the nature of international humanitarian law obligations as well as the mechanisms used to ensure compliance by both States and individuals. The module will also increase students’ awareness of the legal, political and other challenges to the promotion and protection of these norms.
Intellectual skills:
The module will develop analytical skills in relation to a wide range of legal concepts and legal materials. To this end, the module will enable students to identify, understand, and explain the principles and legal rules of international humanitarian law; explain international humanitarian law in the context of contemporary conflicts; and, critically analyse synergies between international humanitarian law in theory and in practice, through the exploration of relevant case studies. It will also identify, understand, and explain key principles, strengths, weaknesses, challenges associated with international humanitarian law, including how this body of law is currently developing.
Professional practical skills:
The module will provide students with the essential knowledge of international humanitarian law necessary for any work in the governmental, non-governmental or academic sector.
Transferable (key) skills:
The module will develop effective communication skills (through seminar presentations and written assessment) as well as critical thinking about legal regimes and rules.