LAW4668 - International investment law - 2018

This unit studies the international legal framework for international investments. It provides an understanding of the development of the law, and the economic, political and institutional factors that have shaped the law to its current state. The various sources of law, particularly Public International Law, Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), and regional agreements, are examined. The interrelation between these sources of law, and between international and domestic law, as apply to foreign investments, are considered. The core legal principles and norms that apply to international Investments, such as Expropriation, National Treatment, and Fair and Equitable Treatment, are examined, as are Investor- State relations and international investment arbitration.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• identify, synthesise and apply knowledge of key concepts relating to international investment law
• demonstrate intellectual and creative skills to identify and evaluate legal problems and policy issues in the area of international investment law and to generate reasoned, practical and appropriate responses to resolving these problems and issues,
• conduct research into issues of international investment law based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods; and
• communicate the research findings effectively and persuasively.

Research assignment (2,500 words): 50%

Take-home examination (2,500 words): 50%

Students will be required to attend 36 hours of seminars, and undertake approximately an additional 108 hours of private study, including reading, class preparation, assignment preparation and revision time over the duration of the course.

See also Unit timetable information