International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

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

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague** If you have ever been captivated by the intricate workings of international law and the role of judicial institutions in shaping global justice, then the course "International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague" on Coursera is an excellent opportunity for you. This course not only provides a comprehensive understanding of the international courts and tribunals located in The Hague but also delves into their functions, challenges, and contributions to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. **Course Overview** The course is structured into five thoughtfully designed modules, each adding a layer of understanding to the complex landscape of international law. It opens with an introduction to the evolution of international dispute settlement, setting the stage for why the global community felt the need to establish these institutions. As you navigate through the course, you will engage with selected cases and interviews with judges and practitioners, enriching your learning experience with real-world insights. **Module Highlights** 1. **Introduction to International Courts and Tribunals**: This first week is a foundational module, offering a historical lens into the evolution of international courts. It addresses the fundamental question: why were international courts established? This context is crucial for appreciating the role of these institutions today. 2. **The International Court of Justice (ICJ)**: The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, and this module explores its dual role in settling disputes between states and providing legal advice. The discussions about the ICJ's limitations and its potential—especially concerning environmental disputes—are particularly relevant and thought-provoking. 3. **The Arbitration of International Disputes**: Focusing on international arbitration, this module distinguishes between various forms of arbitration, such as inter-state and investor-state arbitration. You will gain insight into how public interests influence these disputes, which is an often-overlooked aspect of international arbitration. 4. **International Criminal Courts and Tribunals**: This module covers the relatively new field of international criminal law, spotlighting the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sensitive topics explored, particularly the prosecutions of sitting heads of state, prompt critical thinking about sovereignty and accountability in the international arena. 5. **Conclusions of the Three Course Themes**: The final module integrates the key themes of law and politics, state consent, and global values, encouraging students to synthesize their learning and reflect on the overarching implications for international law today. **Learning Experience** The course is designed for all levels of learners, whether you are a seasoned professional in international law or someone just beginning to explore this field. The blend of video lectures, case studies, discussions, and a peer assignment fosters a collaborative learning environment. Engaging with fellow students and exchanging perspectives on course content will enhance your understanding and challenge your viewpoints. **Why You Should Take This Course** - **Up-to-Date Insights**: With interviews from practitioners and discussions on contemporary issues, you will gain up-to-date knowledge about the functions and challenges these courts face today. - **Critical Thinking**: The course encourages you to critically assess the efficacy of international courts and tribunals and their role in global justice, making you a more informed global citizen. - **Practical Application**: The course culminates in a peer assignment and a final exam, allowing you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your understanding of the key concepts discussed. - **Flexibility**: As an online course provided by Coursera, it offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace without geographical constraints. **Conclusion and Recommendation** In summary, "International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague" is a highly informative and engaging course that serves as an essential guide for anyone interested in the realm of international law. Whether you are pursuing a career in law, politics, or human rights, this course will equip you with the necessary insights to navigate the complexities of international legal frameworks. I wholeheartedly recommend this course for its depth, the quality of its content, and the opportunity it provides for critical engagement with critical global issues. Don't miss the chance to enhance your knowledge and understanding of how international law functions in today's world!

Syllabus

An introduction to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

Welcome to this first week in which we will enter the world of the international judiciary with you. We will discuss the evolution of international dispute settlement in our international legal order. The leading question is: why did people start thinking about creating international courts? We will also introduce the community of international courts present in The Hague today.

This week we are going to explore the principle judicial organ of the United Nations—the International Court of Justice. This Court has dual functions as an institution that settles disputes between States, and as an advice giver within the UN system. We will explore the limitations that the Court faces in its fulfilment of these functions as well as its potential as an institution, particularly in the context of disputes involving the protection of the environment. From this week onwards, you will also be able to start working on the peer assignment. All relevant information with regard to the peer assignment can be find below. We look forward to reading how you view the future of the international courts and tribunals in The Hague!

This week, we will explore the world of international arbitration. More specifically, we will focus on the Permanent court of arbitration, inter-state arbitration and investor-state arbitration. Through our videos, you will discover the history and characteristics of arbitration and you will understand how its functioning is impacted by the dynamics at play within the international and domestic societies. You will also come to realize the importance of public interests in the disputes settled through arbitration and you will learn how they are taken into account in international arbitration.

This week examines a relatively new type of international courts, namely international criminal courts, with a focus on the ICC. We will discuss ongoing cases and debates, including sensitive issues such as the prosecution of sitting Heads of States. We will also inquire whether the international community is in need of a new dedicated international terrorism tribunal.

This week, we will directly focus on the three course themes that have structured our discussions in the previous modules: law and politics, state consent and global values. For each of these themes, the videos of this module will give you the opportunity to synthetize the knowledge that you have acquired over the course and to compare the various courts and tribunals that have been analyzed through the lenses of the course themes. The videos in this module will also offer you some concluding observations and insights which will stimulate you to continue to reflect on these three themes and the international courts in The Hague more generally. This week, you will also take the final exam of this course; good luck on this!