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About us Faculty of Law International programmes Incoming exchange (guest students) Course Information

International Criminal Tribunals and Courts (6 ECTS)

Lecturer(s): Prof. Dr C.I. Fournet (coordinator)

When: Block 4

Brief course description:
Detailed study of international criminal law and justice, with a specific focus on the ad hoc International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court. This course adopts both a substantive and procedural approach so as to offer a complete insight into this very fast-growing and highly contemporary legal subject. Based on an in-depth analysis of the different legal instruments and of the relevant case-law, this course addresses judicial responses to mass atrocities and the prosecution of international crimes both at the domestic and international levels. It thus explores the very functioning of international (and internationalised) courts and tribunals at the pre-trial, trial and post-trial stages, focusing on the investigation of international crimes, on the gathering and admissibility of evidence (including forensic evidence), on issues of State cooperation as well as on modes of participation (individual criminal responsibility, joint criminal enterprise), on available defences, on sentencing and on the place given to victims of, and witnesses to, international crimes in the proceedings. The course adopts a critical approach to assess the role and effectiveness of international criminal law institutions in an international legal environment torn between globalization and fragmentation.

Teaching method:
The module is divided into 14 lectures of two hours each, requiring active participation of the whole group under guidance of the lecturer.

Assessment: written exam (essay questions; open book exam).
Formative assessment: In-class group case law analysis, contextualising judicial decisions and critically assessing their import and impact.
Summative assessment:
Critical legal essay or case analysis based on relevant case law and academic literature (maximum 3,500 words).

*Official course information and schedules during the academic year can be found in Ocasys.

Last modified:05 April 2023 11.18 a.m.