Introduction to International Criminal Law

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-criminal-law

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to International Criminal Law on Coursera The course **Introduction to International Criminal Law** offered on Coursera is a meticulously crafted program addressing one of the most pressing issues in today’s global landscape—international criminal law. With violent conflicts and human rights abuses persisting worldwide, understanding how international legal measures can be employed to ensure accountability is both relevant and urgent. #### Overview of the Course Taught by a leading expert in international criminal law, this course provides a thorough exploration of the fundamental principles and policies that underlie this dynamic legal field. The curriculum covers significant historical cases, including the Nuremberg Trials and the prosecution of individuals like Saddam Hussein, connecting past injustices with contemporary legal frameworks. The course is structured into several modules, each designed to build on the last, comprising engaging video lectures, readings, and simulations that enhance the learning experience. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction** - This module serves as a gateway to the course, outlining its structure and providing a primer on international law. The historical context begins with the Nuremberg Trials, and students are invited to engage with a fictional scenario that reflects these early lessons. 2. **Peace Versus Justice** - This lesson delves into the complex interplay between the two critical tenets of international law. It challenges students to think about the moral and legal dilemmas faced when addressing grave breaches of law. 3. **Terrorism and Piracy** - In this module, students are introduced to international definitions of terrorism and piracy, offering insights into the challenges of classification in a global legal environment. The use of simulations facilitates practical understanding by placing students in a hypothetical UN conference setting. 4. **Unique Modes of Liability** - The exploration of different forms of criminal responsibility is both insightful and necessary for understanding how international law distinguishes between culpable parties. This section’s simulations provide an application of theoretical concepts to real-world contexts. 5. **Specialized Defenses** - Here, the course meticulously reviews the defenses available in international law, providing a comprehensive overview of topics such as mental defect and head of state immunity. The inclusion of practical scenarios reinforces learning. 6. **Gaining Custody of the Accused** - Exploring the often contentious methods for acquiring custody over accused individuals, this module presents complex legal tactics including extradition and targeted actions, highlighted by captivating simulations. 7. **Pre-Trial Issues** - This lesson focuses on the procedural challenges encountered before the trial phase, addressing issues such as self-representation and plea bargaining. The practical application scenarios help cement the complex legal principles discussed. 8. **Maintaining Control of the Courtroom** - The final module addresses courtroom conduct and management, helping students fathom the intricacies of maintaining order in international legal proceedings. A simulation enables learners to directly engage with the material. #### Recommendation **Introduction to International Criminal Law** is highly recommended for anyone interested in law, human rights, and international relations. Its comprehensive syllabus, interactive simulations, and expert-led content make it an invaluable resource for students, professionals, or anyone keen to enhance their understanding of international legal frameworks. Whether you’re pursuing a career in law, policy making, or simply wish to stay informed about global justice initiatives, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of international criminal law. With flexible pacing and a user-friendly interface, Coursera's platform makes it accessible for learners from all backgrounds, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to delve into this critical area of law. Sign up today and start your journey toward understanding the mechanisms that hold individuals accountable on a global scale.

Syllabus

Introduction

This introduction will give the learner a brief outline as to how the course is structured, how it will be graded and the ideal pace at which the course should be completed. This module includes a primer on international law that will introduce students with limited backgrounds on international law to the basic foundations of the field. This lesson also includes a video lecture and readings that outline the brief history of international criminal law starting with the Nuremberg Trials. Lastly, this module explores the legacy of the Nuremberg Court and lets students apply the lessons learned from Nuremberg to a fictional fact pattern through a set of simulations.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings that elaborate on the tensions between peace and justice in international law and diplomacy. This lesson specifically explores the limits placed on the international duty to prosecute certain crimes and surveys the breaches of international law that require a duty to prosecute.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings that discuss the international definition of terrorism and why reaching such a definition has become a divisive issue in international law. This lesson further discusses the intricacies of the modern international classifications of piracy. Lastly, this lesson includes a simulation that allows students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to a fictional UN conference.

This lesson contains a video lecture and readings that explore the unique attributes of different forms of criminal responsibility in international law including command responsibility, joint criminal liability, control of the crime doctrine and incitement. This lesson also involves a simulation that allows students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to a fictional fact pattern.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings that discuss the different defenses that exist for accused persons tried under international law. This lesson specifically explores the defenses of mental defect, intoxication, obedience to orders and head of state immunity. This lesson also includes a set of simulations that allow students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to two real life scenarios.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings that explore the options countries have in attempting to gain custody over an accused person under international law. Specifically, the lesson discusses countries’ use of tactics like abduction, luring, extradition and targeted killing. This lesson also includes a set of simulations that allow students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to one fictional fact pattern and one real life scenario.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings that examine the major pre-trial issues that are presented in international courts. Specifically, this lesson analyzes the problems that come from self-representation, plea-bargaining and the exclusion of evidence. This lesson also includes a set of simulations that allow students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to two real life issues that have come before international tribunals.

This lesson includes a video lecture and readings on how, in the face of the problems discussed in the previous lesson, order is maintained in modern international courtrooms. The lesson also includes a simulation that allows students to apply the issues discussed in the readings and lecture to a fictional fact pattern.