Unit

Course
European legal integration and human rights
Study-unit Code
A000975
Location
PERUGIA
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Alessandra Lanciotti
Teachers
  • Alessandra Lanciotti
Hours
  • 36 ore - Alessandra Lanciotti
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2024
Offered
2024/25
Learning activities
Caratterizzante
Area
Giuridico
Academic discipline
IUS/13
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
English
Contents
The course of Advanced International Law is designed to assist students to develop a critical understanding of International law and current practice of inter-State relations, with particular regard to the protection of fundamental human rights, both in peacetime and in situations of armed conflict or humanitarian crisis.
The course is divided into two sections. The first section offers an introduction into the fundamental rules of International law. First, it focusses on the structure of the International Community, the rule-making process of creation and transformation of international law rules and, then, on a critical analysis of selected topics of substantive International law.
The second portion of the course deals more specifically with International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law, focussing on the role played by the International Criminal Court in prosecuting the most heinous crimes(war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression). This part aims to introduce the student to a range of different legal theoretical issues and case-law, providing ample room for discussion, practical exercises and interaction with guest lecturers.
Reference texts
Tanzi A., A Concise Introduction to International Law, second edition, G. Giappichelli Torino and Eleven International Publishing, Turin, 2022

In addition, the following readings available on Unistudium platform, namely:
1. International Human Rights Law and its Normative Framework within the UN System
2. International Criminal Court (encyclopaedia entry by HP. Kaul)
3. The International Criminal Court (excerpt from An Introduction to International Criminal Law by Cryer et al.)
4. Crimes against Humanity (by M. deGuzman)
5. Genocide
Further materials are being progressively updated and tailored for class sessions, based on contemporary treaty-law and current International practice.
Educational objectives
The course is designed to give students the ability to apply and interpret the main rules of International law applicable to human rights protection and to situations of serious violations of International humanitarian law so to provide them with a critical understanding of such rules. The course also aims to enable students to acquire specific knowledge on issues concerning the respect of International Humanitarian Law, as well as specific knowledge of the main International Criminal Law rules and of those governing the prosecutorial activities of the International Criminal Court. The course also intends to improve the students’ communication skills and their ability to present topics using the appropriate English terminology.
Prerequisites
A good knowledge of the English language. A basic knowledge of International law is useful but not essential, it can be supplemented by explanations and readings suggested by the professor.
Teaching methods
The course consists of a series of face to face lectures and seminars in English with the use of presentations in power point; reading materials related to the topics discussed in class, such as case-law and judicial decisions, UN Resolutions and the text of the main relevant treaties are provided by the professor. Such materials (“materiale didattico”) are also available on UNIPG-Unistudium web page. Seminars on specific topics, discussion in class and exercises are organized, therefore attendance is recommended. Particular attention will be given to the most recent activity of the International Criminal Court.
For students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorder the University's guidelines are followed, they are accessible at https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa/studenti-con-dsa#strumenti
Other information
Students attending classes may give an oral presentation in class on a specific topic (previously agreed with the professor); such activity will be taken into account for the purpose of the final evaluation.
Learning verification modality
The final exam consists of an oral test, i.e. an interview (lasting approximately 15-20 minutes) during which the professor poses questions to the student in English about the topics included in the programme; for those students who have attended classes, questions are about issues covered in classes.
The oral exam aims to ascertain the knowledge level and the understanding capability acquired by the student. During the exam, the student has to answer the questions (usually three) in such a way as to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the subject-matters included in the course program. The duration of the examination and the number of questions may vary depending on the answers given by each candidate.
Extended program
Part I: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL LAW:
Sources of international law (custom, treaty and soft law); subjects and actors of the international community; the making of international law rules; violation of international law and its consequences; dispute settlement mechanisms. The United Nations system and the prohibition on the use of force in international relations. The role of the Security Council. Jus ad bellum and jus in bello rules.

Part II: HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
- The normative framework of International human rights law in the UN System
- The European Convention on human rights
- Relationship between human rights law, International humanitarian law and International criminal law.
- Individual and State criminal responsibility under International law for international crimes
- The history of International criminal prosecution: from the Nuremberg Trial to the establishment of the International Criminal Court.
- Crimes within the jurisdiction of International Criminal Court: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
- The prosecution of International crimes by the International Criminal Court and its case-law.
- Focus on the situations in Gaza and Ukraine
- The place of immunity in International criminal justice.
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Other topics will be discussed during the course based on current practice and particular interests of attending students.
(All readings and materials related to the programme can be freely downloaded from the Unistudium platform).
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
4,10,16
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