International Criminal Law Credits: 1-2

Catalog description

An introductory course in International Criminal Law focusing on the criminal prosecution of individuals under international law, primarily by international tribunals (or 'hybrid' international/national tribunals) and secondarily by national tribunals applying international law. The course will include a consideration of aspects of criminal law that are common to most criminal legal systems, with a particular focus on those crimes that are 'international;' will revisit the concept of criminal jurisdiction, how it is acquired, and its limitations, such as immunity for heads of state and diplomats; and will examine the elements of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, as well as a few other crimes of international concern; and excuses or justifications under international law, such as self-defense and insanity.