About the Course

From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy.

We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. We will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom.

Course Syllabus

This course comprises eight units (or “modules”). Each will include an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life.

1. History: From Nuremberg to The Hague
2. International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture
3. International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy
4. Special modes of liability: command responsibility, co-perpetration, and incitement
5. Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity
6. Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing
7. Pre-Trial Issues: plea bargaining, self-representation, and exclusion of torture evidence
8. Maintaining control of the courtroom

This course is graded on completion. In order to complete the course each student must: (1) finish each module (or “lesson”); (2) write at least one essay response of 200 words or more for at least one simulation throughout the course; and (3) get a score of 6 out of 10 or better on the Final Exam.

To enroll for this course, click the link below.

Course on International Criminal Law