Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge regarding the structure and functioning of international jurisdictions, with particular reference to the International Court of Justice, as well as practical skills in dealing with international litigation. At the end of the course, students should be able to: know the main jurisdictional procedures for resolving international disputes; identify and understand the main legal, procedural or substantive issues underlying a practical case; conduct, independently, research activities on issues of public international law; draft memorials using technical language; present legal arguments.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that students passed already the exam of Public International Law and that they possess a good knowledge of English.
Course unit content
After a first theoretical part devoted to the exam of the main international jurisdictions, the course will focus on the study of a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice. Students will be asked to investigate, under the supervision of the professor, the main procedural and substantive issues underpinning the case in order to develop arguments in support of the two parties's position. The course is functional, where the conditions are met, to encourage the participation of a team of students to an international moot court competition.
Full programme
Week 1
- The peaceful resolution of disputes between states;
- judicial procedures of dispute resolution;
- the International Court of Justice: historical and institutional aspects;
Week 2
- procedural aspects of litigation before the International Court of Justice: an introduction;
- jurisdiction, admissibility, evidence;
- provisional measures.
Week 3
- group work on a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice
- identification and investigation of the underlying procedural and substantive issues.
Week 4
- Seminars with experts;
- group work on a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice;
Week 5
- seminars with experts;
- group work on a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice
Week 6
- group work on a fictitious case before the International Court of Justice:
- final presentation of the group work.
Bibliography
Attending students: teaching material distributed during lessons and made available through the Elly platform.
Non-attending students: due to the practical nature of the course, attendance is strongly recommended. Non-attending students are invited to contact the professor to schedule an appointment.
Teaching methods
The course features lectures, seminars and practical exercises. The lessons follow an innovative learning-by-doing approach to teaching: students will work together on a fictitious case, drafting written memorials and presenting their arguments orally.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam. Students will be asked two questions about topics relating to the fictitious case that will be studied during the course.
When evaluating the knowledge acquired by the students, attention will be paid, among other things, to the ability to apply in practice the notions learned and to present in an appropriate way.
Other information
During the course, experts will hold seminars.
