1. Critically assess¿the development and key principles of international criminal law, with a focus on major international instruments such as the Rome Statute and evaluate their role in shaping the global legal framework for prosecuting serious international crimes.

Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis

2. Analyse¿the significance of the Nuremberg Trials in the establishment of the criminal offences of genocide and war crimes, and reflect on their historical impact on the evolution of international criminal law

Analysis

3. Examine¿the substantive offences under international criminal law, and¿evaluate¿the legal challenges involved in prosecuting these crimes at both international and national levels

Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis

4. Evaluate¿the role and functioning of the International Criminal Court, including its institutions, practices, procedures, and limitations, and assess the relationship between international criminal law and human rights law through the lens of the Rwanda and former Yugoslavia Tribunals, as well as national prosecution efforts

Enquiry

Case Study – Assessing Outcomes 1 – 3

Students will be able to engage with a specific scenario involving the prosecution of international crimes, emphasising legal principles, challenges in enforcement, and the impact of international instruments such as the Rome Statute.



Oral Presentation – Assessing Outcome 4

Students will be able to evaluate the functioning of international tribunals like the ICC and assess the relationship between these institutions and human rights law. The presentation¿complements the case study by focusing on the broader institutional context. (10 mins presentation plus 5 mins for questions)

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the development, principles, and institutions of international criminal law. It covers key legal instruments, landmark trials, and the prosecution of substantive international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The content also examines the functioning of international courts, with a focus on the International Criminal Court (ICC), and explores the relationship between international criminal law and human rights law. Throughout the module, students will engage with historical case studies, contemporary legal challenges, and critical debates within the field.



Topics covered include:



Introduction to International Criminal Law

Key Principles of International Criminal Law

The Nuremberg Trials and their Legacy.

Substantive Offences under International Criminal Law

The International Criminal Court (ICC)

International Criminal Tribunals and Hybrid Courts

Contemporary Challenges in International Criminal Law

Future Directions and Reform

Are you driven by a passion for justice and interested in how the global community prosecutes the world’s most serious crimes? The¿International Criminal Law¿module offers an in-depth exploration of how international law addresses genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other grave offenses. This module is ideal for students eager to understand the role of international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the legal frameworks designed to bring perpetrators of serious international crimes to justice. Throughout this module, you will engage with key international instruments like the Rome Statute and study landmark trials such as the Nuremberg Trials. You will explore how these legal precedents shape modern international criminal law and analyse the challenges involved in prosecuting crimes at both international and national levels. Real-world case studies, including those from the Rwanda and Yugoslavia tribunals, will provide you with practical insights into the functioning of international justice systems.

By the end of this course, you will have developed the critical skills to assess the effectiveness of international criminal law in addressing contemporary global challenges and its intersection with human rights law. Whether you aspire to a career in international law, human rights advocacy, or global justice, this module will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the fight against impunity.

The learning strategy for this module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks, principles, and institutions that govern international criminal law. A total of¿200 hours¿is allocated to achieving the module’s learning outcomes, combining¿39 hours of direct contact¿through lectures and seminars with¿161 hours of independent and guided study. This strategy ensures a balanced approach, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application through real-world case studies and critical analysis.



Lectures will introduce students to the fundamental principles of international criminal law, key legal instruments such as the Rome Statute, and the role of institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC). The lectures will focus on the prosecution of serious international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Students will also explore landmark trials, including the Nuremberg Trials, and their historical significance in shaping international criminal law. Real-world case studies and contemporary legal challenges will be integrated into the lectures to demonstrate the application of these principles in practice. Seminars will offer students the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions of complex legal issues, such as the functioning of international criminal courts, challenges in prosecuting international crimes, and the relationship between international criminal law and human rights law. These sessions will employ¿problem-based learning (PBL), encouraging students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world legal problems through group discussions, debates, and case studies.



The module emphasises¿problem-based learning (PBL)¿to develop critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. Students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including:

Group Discussions: Working in teams, students will critically analyse and debate key issues such as the legality of military interventions, the limitations of the ICC, or the challenges of enforcing international criminal law. These discussions will encourage collaborative learning and develop students’ ability to articulate and defend legal arguments.

Oral and Written Submissions: Students will present and defend their legal analyses through oral presentations and written submissions. For example, students may present on the role of hybrid courts in prosecuting international crimes or write an analysis of a landmark international criminal case. This will allow students to hone their legal communication skills, both in writing and orally.

Case Study Analysis: Through in-depth analysis of specific cases, such as the Nuremberg Trials, ICC cases, or the ICTR, students will critically evaluate how international criminal law principles are applied. They will be tasked with identifying legal challenges, analysing the effectiveness of court rulings, and proposing legal reforms where necessary.

Cassese, A. and Gaeta, P. International Criminal Law (3rd Edn, OUP 2013)

Labuda, P. International Criminal Tribunals and Domestic Accountability (OUP 2023)

Ratner, S. Abrams, J. and Bischoff, J. Accountability for Human Rights Atrocities in International Law: Beyond the Nuremberg Legacy (3rd Edn, OUP 2009)

Zahar, A. and Sluiter, G. International Criminal Law (OUP 2007)

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis-Nexis; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals
Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard and the web.