Fall 2012
    Law No.: LAW9114
    Sched. No.: 112820704

Law of War*
Section 1
X
Bill, Brian



Administrative Information:
During SIS enrollment, check on SIS for real-time enrollment numbers
Days, Times (Room):M, 1815-2015 (WB104)
Credits:3Type:Seminar
Capacity:24 **This information is current as of 05/24/2013 06:18:32 AM**
Current Enrollment:20 **This information is current as of 05/24/2013 06:18:32 AM**

Course Description:

The conflict in Afghanistan, war on terrorism, unrest in the Middle East, and the growing number of international war crimes tribunals, highlight the importance of the international norms governing armed conflict. Public discussion is often plagued by misunderstandings of these norms, and is typically limited to vague references to the Geneva Conventions. The law of war is much broader, including numerous other treaties, state practices which have developed into customary law, and the decisions of various courts and tribunals. However, it is always evolving and changing, as the balance between military necessity and humanitarian concerns is constantly being redrawn. Students will be provided with a thorough grounding in the law of war, applying the associated rules with past, current, and potential future events. Students will be invited to critically examine the efficacy of current rules and advocate for required changes or improvements, both in classroom discussion and through the writing assignments. This course should appeal to those contemplating careers in public policy, international relations, human rights, or the military, but also to those interested in exploring an interesting and compact body of law which is increasingly becoming a part of public discourse.

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Paper and several short memo responses to contemporary events and/or articles