Course 2009-2010 a.y.

Course Objectives

The course covers the basic features of international law that governs the relations between the subjects of the international community. The course includes a general part and a part (in Italian) covering the relationship between International Law and the Italian legal system in the light of the case law of the Constitutional Court. An introduction to private international law (conflict of laws) will also be provided.

Course Content Summary

• The International Community and its historical evolution
• Basic principles of the international legal system
• The Subjects of International Law: States and other entities.
• Sources of International Law: custom and treaties.
• International Organizations. The UN system.
• International peace and security.
• Armed conflicts, the use of force and terrorism
• The position of the individual and human rights.
• The relationship between international and national law: international law within the Italian legal system.
• Breaches of international law and the international responsibility of States.
• Dispute settlement: arbitration and international Courts.
• International criminal justice
• Introduction to private international law: international contracts.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Written intermediate and final exam.

Textbooks

• A. CASSESE, International Law, 2 ed., Oxford, 2005.
• Text of basic treaties and international instruments, cases.