Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor David Jonas

LL.M Course 755 (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

The greatest current threat to our nation is nuclear terrorism. This course will provide students with an understanding of the current matrix of nuclear non-proliferation laws, treaties, agreements, initiatives, organizations and proposals that aim to halt the spread of nuclear weapons and prevent nuclear terrorism. Nuclear Non-proliferation Law and Policy is an exciting blend of national security, statutory, and regulatory law, coupled with international law and negotiations.

Students will review the existing nuclear non-proliferation framework to include, inter alia, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the proposed Fissle Material Cutoff Treaty, Export Control statutes and regulations, and the roles of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Conference on Disarmament. The course will also briefly cover nuclear arms control issues. Anyone with an interest in nuclear non-proliferation and national security would benefit from the course. No prior knowledge of nuclear issues is required.

Students enrolled in the 3 credit section of this course must, in addition to the final paper, submit an outline and draft for comment. The final paper must be approximately 6,000 words in length (25 pages) and must be supported by substantial independent research. Note: This seminar requires a paper. J.D. students must register for the 3 credit section of the seminar if they wish to write a paper fulfilling the Upperclass Legal Writing Requirement. The paper requirements of the 2 credit section will not fulfill the Upperclass Legal Writing Requirement.