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Not currently available in 2021

Unit description

Examines the historical roots of International Criminal Law and the rules of international individual criminal responsibility.  Students will study a number of International crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes using case studies to highlight the application of the facts to the law and the legal findings in a particular case.  The development and operation of the Nuremberg Tribunal and the structure and jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court will also be explored.

Unit content

Topic 1 - Introduction to International Criminal Law and its historical development prior to WWII

Topic 2 - International Prosecutions - from Nuremberg to the ad hoc tribunals and beyond

Topic 3 - The ICC

Topic 4 - Core international crimes - Part

  • genocide
  • crimes against humanity
  • GBV crimes

Topic 5 – Core International crimes – Part II

  • War crimes
  • Aggression

Topic 6 - Modes of liability

Topic 7 – Defences

Topic 8 - Victims and Witnesses

Topic 9 – National Prosecutions and Non – Prosecutorial alternatives

Topic 10 – The future of ICL

 

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1identify and outline the historical, social and political context of the events surrounding the crimes studied throughout this unitKnowledge of a discipline
2demonstrate an awareness of the concept of individual international criminal responsibility and the rules of international criminal lawIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
3describe and analyse the main legal issues in respect of the international crimes studied during this unitIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4critically analyse the extent, consistency and adequacy of the international community's response to such crimes, and compare and contrast the variety of these responsesIntellectual rigourCreativityKnowledge of a discipline
5analyse the concept of a permanent International Criminal Court, and the various legal and non-legal issues surrounding its establishmentIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
6demonstrate an ability to conduct research in the field of international criminal justice, and enhance their skills in legal research, critical analysis and the written presentation of research and argument.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
7describe and analyse available legal defences under ICLIntellectual rigourCreativityKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. identify and outline the historical, social and political context of the events surrounding the crimes studied throughout this unit
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. demonstrate an awareness of the concept of individual international criminal responsibility and the rules of international criminal law
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. describe and analyse the main legal issues in respect of the international crimes studied during this unit
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. critically analyse the extent, consistency and adequacy of the international community's response to such crimes, and compare and contrast the variety of these responses
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. analyse the concept of a permanent International Criminal Court, and the various legal and non-legal issues surrounding its establishment
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. demonstrate an ability to conduct research in the field of international criminal justice, and enhance their skills in legal research, critical analysis and the written presentation of research and argument.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  7. describe and analyse available legal defences under ICL
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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