International Criminal Law and Justice

Overview

Academic Lead: Kate Leader

Syllabus: SUM507P International Criminal Law and Justice

International criminal justice is at a crossroads. On the one hand, we now have an unprecedented ability to prosecute individuals accused of torture, genocide and crimes against humanity both domestically and internationally, emblematic of the extent to which these kinds of prosecutions have become normalised over the last seventy years. On the other hand, more and more countries have raised concerns about the efficacy  and fairness of international criminal prosecutions, arguing that they are selective or neocolonialist, biased or myopic. This is exemplified by the complex status and reception of the International Criminal Court, alternately lionised and criticised. This module introduces students to these debates and examines the legal and philosophical underpinnings of international criminal law and justice. 

Key topics in this course will be: 
• the development of the laws that govern international criminal justice, including detailed study of the laws against torture, genocide, crimes against humanity and aggression. 
• the philosophical and historical origins of international criminal justice.
• the courts and tribunals that adjudicate these kinds of crime, including the International Criminal Court.
• the key challenges facing the greater implementation of these kinds of criminal prosecutions, including the role of politics and of the international community, and questions of sovereignty and human rights.

Course content is subject to change.

Course aims

This module aims to introduce students to some of these key debates, by providing an in-depth study of the legal and philosophical underpinnings of international criminal justice. Key topics in this course will be:

• the development of the laws that govern international criminal justice, including torture, genocide, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.
• the philosophical and historical origins of international criminal justice.
• the courts and tribunals that adjudicate these kinds of crime, including the International Criminal Court.
• the key challenges facing the greater implementation of these kinds of prosecutions, including the role of politics and of the international community, and questions of sovereignty and human rights.

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, field trips.

Learning outcomes

By attending this course, you will:

• Demonstrate clear understanding of the legal framework, both domestic and international, underpinning international criminal justice.
• Show knowledge of the philosophical and historical foundations of international criminal justice and be able to apply this knowledge in their core assessments.
• Demonstrate understanding of the roles of courts and tribunals, both domestic and international, in the practice of international criminal law.

Fees

Additional costs

All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.

You will be required to pay your travel costs to and from any field trips.

For course and housing fees visit our finance webpage

Entry requirements

We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications

How to apply

Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!

Applications close 26 May 2025