Assistant Professor Dr Myra Williamson KILAW Fall semester 2012

Introduction Dr Myra Williamson From New Zealand BA (Politics) – Bachelor of Arts LLB (Hons) – Bachelor of Laws LLM (Hons) – Master of Laws PhD – Doctor of Philosophy Background Family Work Research interests

My teaching philosophy Active learners Life-long learners Socratic method Discussion and debate is always welcome Friendly and positive classroom atmosphere

Contact information Open door policy Office 54 Website: drmyrawilliamson.com Phone extension: ?

Timetable Sunday F234 Tuesday F234 Thursday F234

Introductions continued… Students Who are you? Why are you studying law? Why are you studying this paper? What do you want to do when you finish? Work? Post-graduate study?

What you need to bring to class Loose-leaf note paper or notebook Pens Folder (for keeping all handouts and notes) Textbook/readings when available A positive attitude An open mind

About this course… Paper title: Current Legal Issues Specific topic this semester: “The use of force in international law” Why this topic? What do you know about this topic?

Course textbook/readings Shaw, M International Law (6 th ed, Oxford University Press, 2008) Aust, A Handbook of International Law (2 nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 2010) Gray, C International Law and the Use of Force (3 rd ed, Oxford University Press, 2008) Williamson, M Terrorism, War and International Law (Ashgate, 2009) UN Charter – available online Other materials that are handed out during class

Course description All organized societies face the problem of controlling, by law, the use of force. International society is no exception. In fact, the control of the use of force in the international arena has proved to be one of the most intractable (difficult) problems in international law.

Course description continued… This course will examine the international law on the use of force. It will introduce students to the laws relating to the prohibition of the use of force and discuss their exceptions, both agreed and controversial.

Course objectives - 1 To provide students with an understanding of the historical development of the characterization of the use of force as unlawful and of the development of the UN system of collective security.

Course objectives - 2 To develop students' knowledge and understanding of the rules relating to the prohibition of the use of force and the exceptions, both agreed and controversial, to those rules.

Course objectives - 3 To examine and critically assess the appropriateness, relevance and effectiveness of the international community's attempts, both past and present, to institute collective responses to the unlawful use of force.

Skills to develop 1. Knowledge 2. Cognitive skills 3. Interpersonal skills and responsibility 4. Numerical and communication skills

1. Knowledge This course will help you to develop an academic interest in the nature and function of one specific area of international law The course will help you to understand different legal issues which are necessary for you to be able to continue in your legal education. The knowledge that you acquire in this course complements knowledge gained in other international law courses (eg. Public international law, international environmental law, human rights etc)

2. Cognitive skills Students will be encouraged to apply theoretical considerations to different problems and cases Students will be required to co-ordinate elements of the theory and practice by utilizing different legal texts

3. Interpersonal skills and academic freedom The student should be able to take responsibility for their own learning. The student should be able to identify the various problems raised in different areas of law. Debate and discussion are vitally important – disagreements with the teacher will not affect the student’s grades. You are free – and strongly encouraged - to develop your own thinking and ideas.

4. Communication skills The student will develop her skills in communicating her ideas, both orally and in writing. The student will demonstrate her ability to use new technologies to complete her research and in the preparation of her assignments and projects

Course content: what are we going to cover? Course participants will examine the law and practice relating to United Nations (UN) enforcement and peacekeeping action, including the changing nature and role of UN security actions in the post-Cold War era. …

Course content continued… The course will pay particular attention to the development of unilateral security actions such as the war in Iraq (2003) and the war in Afghanistan (2011) and discuss other recent developments such as the legality of the doctrine of pre-emptive force. Recent events, such as the Arab revolutions, will also be discussed in the context of considering whether the use of force is possible and/or appropriate.

Assessment Let’s discuss the assessment options Confirmed: Total = 100% Final Exam = 60% Negotiable: 40% Test or quiz? Class attendance and participation? Essay? In-class or take home? Student presentations? Mid-term exam – 20%?