Public International Law

Public International Law (LLB Semester 3) Description:

Overview: Public International Law is the body of legal rules, norms, and standards that apply between sovereign states and other entities that are legally recognized as international actors. This course covers the foundational principles, sources, and subjects of international law, as well as its application and enforcement.

Key Topics:

1. Nature and Development of International Law:

   • Definition and scope of international law.
   • Historical evolution and key milestones.
   • Difference between public and private international law.

2. Sources of International Law:

   • Treaties and conventions.
   • Customary international law.
   • General principles of law recognized by civilized nations.
   • Judicial decisions and writings of eminent jurists.

3. Subjects of International Law:

   • States and recognition of states.
   • International organizations.
   • Individuals and corporations.
   • Non-state actors.

4. State Sovereignty and Jurisdiction:

   • Principles of sovereignty.
   • Territorial jurisdiction and immunity.
   • Extraterritorial jurisdiction and its limits.

5. Law of Treaties:

   • Formation and termination of treaties.
   • Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
   • Interpretation and enforcement of treaties.

6. International Dispute Resolution:

   • Peaceful means of dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, arbitration.
   • Role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
   • Enforcement of international judgments.

7. International Human Rights Law:

   • Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
   • International covenants and conventions on human rights.
   • Regional human rights systems.

8. Use of Force and International Humanitarian Law:

   • UN Charter provisions on the use of force.
   • Laws of war and Geneva Conventions.
   • Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention.

9. Environmental and Economic Law:

   • International environmental treaties and agreements.
   • Principles of sustainable development.
   • International trade law and organizations like the WTO.

10. Current Issues in International Law:

    • Cybersecurity and international law.
    • International responses to terrorism.
    • Climate change and international legal frameworks.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basic principles and sources of public international law.
• Analyze the roles and responsibilities of various international actors.
• Apply international legal principles to contemporary global issues.
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of international law in maintaining global order and justice.