LAW7218

International humanitarian law ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Gideon Boas

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a body of law that governs the conduct of armed conflict. It is established and developed to limit the effects of armed conflict, establishing protection for civilians and combatants no longer participating in the conflict. After an introduction to the concept and role of IHL, the course will deal with its historical development. The body of rules and their sources will then be dealt with: in particular, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977, and the development of IHL through the interpretation of custom by international courts and tribunals, by States and by the ICRC.

Objectives: International humanitarian law (IHL) essentially governs the law of armed conflict. Students will learn about the permissibility of armed conflict in international law, the way in which IHL regulates the conduct of armed conflict (eg indentification of lawful combatants, protection of civilians and combatants, permissible weaponry, obligations and rights of peace-keeping forces,the legal and practical role of defence forces and humanitarian workers), the way in which IHL is enforced (international "war crimes" tribunals and domestic equivalents, including the International Criminal Court), and future challenges for IHL.

Assessment: Research assignment (3750 words): 50% + Take home examination (3750 words): 50% OR Research Assignment (7500 words):100%