Unit

Course

European legal integration and human rights

Study-unit Code

A000975

Curriculum

In all curricula

Teacher

Alessandra Lanciotti

Teachers

Alessandra Lanciotti

Hours

36 ore - Alessandra Lanciotti

CFU

Course Regulation

Coorte 2025

Offered

2025/26

Learning activities

Caratterizzante

Area

Giuridico

Sector

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 . 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 subjects and the rule-making process and, then, on a critical analysis of selected topics of substantive International law. The second section of the course deals more specifically with International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law issues, with particular regard to 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 present 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', third edition, G. Giappichelli Turin, 2025 And the following short articles/readings available from Unistudium platform, namely: 1. 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights'; 2. Note on International Human Rights Law and its Normative Framework within the UN System ; 3. The International Criminal Court (ICC, encyclopaedia entry); 4. The International Criminal Court (excerpt from An Introduction to International Criminal Law by Cryer et al.); 5.Crimes against Humanity (by M. deGuzman); 6. Genocide(encyclopaedia entry by W. Schabas); 7. Note on the crime of genocide. Further materials are being progressively updated and tailored for class sessions, based on contemporary treaty-law and International practice.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide students with 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. It also aims to enable students acquiring specific knowledge on issues concerning the respect of International Humanitarian Law, as well as 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. 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

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL LAW: Sources of international law; subjects and actors of the international community; the law-making process; violation of international law and its consequences; State responsibility; dispute settlement mechanisms. The United Nations system on the prohibition of the use of force in international relations. The use of armed force and the role of the Security Council. 'Jus ad bellum' and 'jus in bello rules'. Part I: HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION: The normative framework of International human rights law in the UN System - The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (in brief) - The right of access to water - Relationship between human rights law, International humanitarian law and International criminal law. Part II: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE - 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 (ICC). - Crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. - The prosecution of International crimes by the ICC and its case-law. - Jurisdictional immunities and International criminal justice. - Other topics that are discussed during the course, considering current practice and specific interests of attending students. (N.B.: All readings and materials related to the programme can be downloaded from the Unistudium platform).

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile

4,10,16