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Overview

How does the international community respond to genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression — and who can be held accountable? This module tackles these urgent and challenging questions through a critical and engaging study of International Criminal Law (ICL).

You will explore how modern international criminal justice developed, beginning with the post-Second World War trials at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and evolving through the landmark work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, leading to the creation of the International Criminal Court and ongoing developments in the field.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the four core crimes — genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression — and examine how individuals, including political and military leaders, may be held accountable. The module also considers different mechanisms of accountability operating at international and domestic levels today.

Through interactive seminars, case studies, and critical discussion of real-world situations, you will develop advanced skills in legal analysis and independent research. The module encourages you not only to understand the law, but to question its effectiveness, limits, and future in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold-C- to C+ (50-59%) · Demonstrate knowledge of key areas/principles. · Have some, if only limited, evidence of background study. · Be focussed on the question with only some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. · Attempt to present relevant and logical arguments. · Not contain a large number of factual/computational errors. · Describe major links between topics. · Attempt to analyse and/or explain problems. · Be free of major weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%) · Demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of most of the subject area. · Demonstrate evidence of background study. · Be well structured and focused. · Contain coherently presented arguments. · Be mostly free of factual/computational errors. · Include some elements of original interpretation. · Describe well known links between topics. · Analyse and/or explain problems using existing methods/approaches. · Be presented to high standards with accurate communication.

-excellent -A- to A* (70%+) · Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. · Demonstrate extensive background study. · Be well structured and highly focused. · Contain logically presented and defended arguments. · Be free of factual/computational errors. · Include significant elements of original interpretation. · Demonstrate an ability to identify, develop and present new links between topics. · Include new approaches to analysing and/or explaining a problem. · Be presented to very high standards with very accurate communication.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate historical and contemporary challenges in International Criminal Law, and evaluate emerging issues and potential future developments in the field.

• Develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the law relating to the core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression and apply this to contemporary situations.

• Evaluate the roles and functions of the key institutions responsible for the enforcement of International Criminal Law.

• Undertake independent research and communicate reasoned legal arguments clearly and persuasively