International Criminal Law involves the study of the most serious offences committed by human beings against others. It is necessary to understand where these concepts originate from. The context in which and the historical background to the development of these offences. How they are relevant today, and how and where are the 'laws' applied. Specifically students will examine:

1. The development of international criminal law
2. The Law of Genocide
3. Crimes Against Humanity

This module will be strongly student centred. It will be delivered through a series of 6 x 2.5 hour seminars supported by student research and personal study. Students will follow a set pattern contained in the module handbook. Students are anticipated to conduct their own in depth research and will be expected to read considerable amounts of material prior to seminars so that they can participate fully in an informed seminar debate.
The peculiarities of this subject do not lend themselves to traditional formal lectures; consequently seminars facilitate the discourse inherent in this controversial and highly contentious discipline.

Pre-reading before each seminar 6 x 20 hours = 120 hours
Assignment Research 15 Hours

Total independent learning hours 135.

Well stocked library
Computer facilities with internet access, quality print media

An ESSAY length 3000 WORDS weighted at 100%.

The assignment should demonstrate the students' ability to produce a substantial piece of legal writing which satisfies the learning outcomes (1-5)
To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):

Guidance is made available to students throughout the module, ostensibly during seminars.

S. Steiner & P. Alston, International Human Rights in Context, Oxford University Press, 2008.
A. Cassese, International Criminal Law, Oxford University Press, 2008.
A. Cassese, et al, International Criminal Law (Cases & Commentary), Oxford University Press 2011.