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International Criminal Law:

About the Course: From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates, no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the worlds leading experts in the field, this course educated students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy.

We explored the contours of international crimes such as:

• genocide


• war crimes


• terrorism


• and piracy

We examined unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we delved into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom.

Course Topics: This course comprised eight units. Each included an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life. Course Units Were:

• History: From Nuremberg to The Hague


• International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture


• International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy


• Special modes of liability: command responsibility, coperpetration, and incitement


• Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity


• Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing


• PreTrial Issues: plea bargaining, selfrepresentation, and exclusion of torture evidence


• Maintaining control of the courtroom