LAW8551 : International Criminal Law (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elena Katselli
- Owning School: Newcastle Law School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to give students:
- comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how international criminal law evolved, particularly in the post-World War II era;
- an understanding of the substantive law according to which an individual may be held criminally responsible for serious violations of international law such as war crimes and crimes against humanity;
- the ability to critically assess the role of State immunities, amnesties and defences (i.e. superior orders) in international criminal law;
- in-depth analysis of the existing international judicial mechanisms available for the punishment of individuals responsible for international crimes and to critically assess their strengths and weaknesses.
The first part of the module will focus on substantive law, i.e. what constitutes an international crime, what is the applicable law and what is the role of State immunities, amnesties and defences for the prosecution of international crimes. The second part will focus predominantly on the international judicial mechanisms for the prosecution of international crimes, such as the International Criminal Court, the two ad hoc International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
The module will enhance students’ ability to conduct independent research, to engage in critical legal thinking and to develop and present well-formulated and well-substantiated legal arguments.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Introduction: Nature of International Criminal Law
• War Crimes
• Crimes Against Humanity
• Genocide
• Aggression
• Amnesties – Immunities – Defences
• The Ad Hoc International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
• The International Criminal Court
• Other hybrid tribunals such as the Special Court for Sierra Leone
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 60 | 1:00 | 60:00 | Own reading and revision of substantive module content, combined with directed readings |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | In-person class (Flex-moved to synchronous online) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | In person classes (Flex – moved to synchronous online) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Film showing |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 118 | 1:00 | 118:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The seminars will be interactive and will require advanced preparation. The rationale for this teaching method is to promote analytical, argumentative and critical skills essential for discourse. The learning methods will rely on directed self study for the contact teaching time and independent study for the preparation of assessed coursework which will bring together the knowledge, cognitive, research and the assessed key skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 100 | 3000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework is justified in that it enables candidates to demonstrate in particular the outcome of research, written communication of a sophisticated order and the ability to show depth of understanding together with a range of cognitive skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- LAW8551's Timetable