Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Jeremy Sharpe

LL.M Seminar 416 (cross-listed) | 1 credit hours

This course provides an overview of existing international courts and tribunals, in both public and commercial matters. The course will first look at courts that have general jurisdiction to hear inter-states disputes (the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, etc). It will then focus on courts and tribunals that have specialized subject-matter jurisdiction. First, the class will focus on investment disputes (state/investor) and the principle available fori, including ICSID and NAFTA. It will then look at courts and tribunals competent to hear international criminal law, such as the International Criminal Court, ICTY and ICTR. In this context, human rights courts and tribunals will also be studied. Finally, the course will look at some ad hoc courts, such as the Iran-US tribunal, the UN Compensation Commission and ITCLOS. The course’s goal is to provide an understanding of the international adjudication system. The course also aims at looking at challenges that ensue from competing jurisdictions, both ratione materiae and ratione personae. For the practitioner, the course will highlight available options when more than one court is competent, and necessary considerations to keep in mind when choosing a litigation forum. Prior general knowledge of public international law necessary.

Prerequisite: International Law I.