CDRO 24A12 - The World on Trial: Decoding the international judicial system

This course explores the international judicial system through the lens of current events and media coverage. From genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice to climate justice at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, students will examine how key international tribunals function, who brings cases, and what legal and political dynamics are at play. Through recent high-profile cases, the course introduces the main international courts (ICJ, ICC, ECJ, ECtHR, ITLOS, arbitral tribunals, etc) and explains their distinctive roles within the broader system of global governance. Building on these case studies, students will also learn to decode legal terminology and gain an introduction to essential legal concepts such as jurisdiction, standing, admissibility, and evidentiary standards. Finally, the course invites students to think critically about the role of judges and courts in today’s world, exploring how international courts shape the world and how the world shapes them.

No prior legal training is required. Curiosity and interest in current legal affairs are essential. A good working knowledge of English is desirable.

Interactive seminar.

Midterm in-class exam (30%), one-page handout on an assigned micro-topic (20%), oral final exam (50%)

Average.