Global Outlwas? Law & Crime

Level: Undergraduate

Division: The New School for Public Engagement

School: School of Undergraduate Studies

Department: Social Sciences

Course Number: NPOL 3311

Course Format: Seminar

Location: NYC campus

Permission Required: No

Topics:

• Social Sciences
• Global Studies
• Politics

Description:
In a world of conflict and catastrophe, is there such a thing as global justice? This course is an introduction to international criminal law (ICL) and its role in responding to concerns such as war, terrorism, the environment and the global financial crisis. The course explores the potential for courts and tribunals to deter international crimes and promote international peace, security and reconciliation. Students will consider philosophical and practical aspects of the prosecution, trial and punishment of individuals alleged to have committed crimes considered to be among the most serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. We will study the origins and evolution of ICL, the elements of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and the fundamentals of international criminal responsibility. Special reference will be made to the creation, development and work of international criminal courts and tribunals including those for the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Lebanon as well as the International Criminal Court (ICC). We will examine the advantages and disadvantages of international, transnational and national approaches to dealing with past atrocities through litigation. As this is designed to be an introductory course, no prior knowledge of international law is required

Restrictions:

Level

Open to Undergraduate students.