International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-law-in-action-2

Introduction

### Course Review: International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes #### Overview The course titled **“International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes,”** offered by Leiden University on Coursera, provides an in-depth examination of how international criminal law functions within the realm of actual judicial processes. As the second installment of a broader series on International Law in Action, this course builds on the foundational principles introduced in its predecessor, focusing specifically on the inner workings of international criminal courts and tribunals based in The Hague. Designed for anyone interested in the legal mechanisms that tackle some of the world’s most significant human rights atrocities—including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes—this course promises to deliver a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for both legal professionals and laypeople alike. #### Course Content **Week 1: Welcome and Introduction** The course kicks off with a welcoming module that aims to prepare students for success in an online learning environment. This introductory phase outlines the learning objectives and provides essential information regarding course navigation and available resources, ensuring a smooth transition into the rigorous academic content that follows. **Week 2: Core Concepts and Foundations** In the first substantive week, participants are introduced to the fundamental concepts of international criminal justice. Key topics include an overview of international crimes and the principles of legal liability. The module uses the case of Thomas Lubanga, the first to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC), to flesh out real-world applications of these concepts, highlighting the challenges faced in such groundbreaking trials. **Week 3: Justice Institutions and Procedures** The third week dives deeper into how major international criminal cases are initiated and the various roles played by personnel in the judicial process. Participants will examine prosecutorial strategies and the multifaceted challenges presented by the political and legal landscapes that often surround these high-stakes cases. This module is particularly insightful for those interested in understanding how justice institutions operate at an international level. **Week 4: Trying Perpetrators** Focusing on the procedural aspects of criminal trials, the third week explores the dynamics of courtroom proceedings. It provides a balanced view of the roles and perspectives of various stakeholders, including the defense, victims, and judges. Special emphasis is given to the complexities surrounding child soldiers as both victims and perpetrators, tying this into the ICC's real-world experiences with cases like that of Lubanga and Dominic Ongwen. **Week 5: Remedying Wrong and Future Directions** The final module addresses restorative justice, exploring how trials can remedy past wrongs and suggesting improvements for the international criminal justice system moving forward. By the end of the course, learners will have the tools to create proposals for enhancing the effectiveness of international criminal law, encouraging proactive thinking about the future of justice on a global scale. #### Recommendations This course is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about international law, human rights, and justice. It is particularly recommended for: - **Law Students and Legal Practitioners:** Those looking to deepen their understanding of international criminal law and its application in real cases will find this course especially beneficial. - **Human Rights Advocates:** Professionals working in NGOs and human rights organizations will gain insights into the judicial processes that impact their work. - **Political Science Students:** Individuals interested in international relations and global governance can enhance their knowledge of international institutions and their functioning through this course. - **Curious Learners:** If you have a general interest in legal systems, international justice, or humanitarian law, this course provides a solid foundation in these critical areas. #### Conclusion “International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes” is a thorough and enlightening course that effectively melds theory with practice. Whether you are pursuing a career in law or simply seeking to understand one of the most pressing issues of our time—accountability for international crimes—this course equips you with knowledge, insights, and the tools to engage meaningfully with the discourse on international justice. With its structured modules, expert-led presentations, and real-world case studies, it undoubtedly stands out as a top recommendation on Coursera.

Syllabus

Welcome to this course

Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about international criminal justice. The course starts with a short introduction module. To give you a better understanding what this course is about and help you study succesfully in an online course. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck & we hope you will enjoy this course!

Welcome to the first module of this Course! This week, we will introduce you to some of the foundations and core concepts of the international criminal justice system. We will discuss international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes) and foundations of liability. We will relate the discussion to some of the challenges of the Lubanga case, the International Criminal Court's first ever trial.

In this second week we will examine justice institutions and the different stages of the justice process. We will study how major international criminal cases emerge. We will cover the role of different actors in the process, including prosecutorial strategies and legal and political challenges.

In this third week, we will focus on the criminal process, including the challenges faced by different actors. We will study how a trial unfolds. We will explore the role and perspective of the Defence and victims. We will then examine the role of the judge in international criminal proceedings. We will finally discuss the role of child soldiers as victims and perpetrators, including the experiences of the ICC in its first cases (Lubanga,Ongwen).

In this final week, we will explore how wrong can be remedied through trials, and how international criminal justice can be improved. After this week, you should be able to formulate a proposal on how international criminal justice can be enhanced.