Unit information: International Law and Armed Conflict in 2011/12

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Unit name International Law and Armed Conflict
Unit code LAWDM0039
Credit points 30
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Achilles Skordas
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department University of Bristol Law School
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit deals with the international legal regulation of armed conflict by examining legal materials and state practice. It provides an overview of the legal framework on the use of force by focusing on the United Nations (UN) system and in particular on Article 2(4), Article 51 on self-defence and the collective security system contained in Chapter VII. The second part of the course deals with the conduct of armed conflict (International humanitarian law). More specifically, it deals with the means and methods of conflict, the law of occupation, the treatment of civilians and the treatment of prisoners of war.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to explain: a) the various layers of regulation of the law of force (UN Charter, customary international law, b) the role and function of the UN Security Council and of the International Court of Justice, and c) different forms of legal, illegal, or legitimate forms of recourse to the use of force. Students will also be able to assess the armed conflicts regarding their legality, and advise policy-makers on the decisions they have to make, and on the alternatives they face (unilateral or multilateral action, ex ante or ex post authorization from the UNSC), depending on the overall response of other states and of the international community. Students will be able to state international law accurately, apply the relevant rules and principles in situations of conflict, and think critically about the role of force in contemporary international relations, including the 'war on terror'.

Teaching Information

Eleven two-hour seminars

Assessment Information

One three-hour closed book examination in May/June, in which students answer 3 questions from a choice of 8 questions.

Reading and References

  • Dinstein, War, Aggression and Self-Defence, (5th ed, CUP, 2012)
  • Gray, International Law and the Use of Force, (3rd ed, Oxford, 2008)
  • Simma, The Charter of the United Nations (2nd ed., OUP, 2002)
  • Franck, Recourse to Force (OUP, 2002)
  • de Wet, The Chapter VII Powers of the United Nations Security Council (Hart 2004)
  • Brownlie, International Law and the Use of Force by States, (Oxford, 1963)
  • Evans, International Law Documents, (Blackstone’s, OUP, 10th edition, 2011)

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