Programme

This course offers students the opportunity to work on complex and cutting-edge questions of international law through preparation for, and participation in, a distinguished international law moot competition. In the process, students will develop and refine advanced legal research and advocacy skills. The moot competitions will usually include the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the pre-eminent global mooting competition in international law. Students will be expected to attend sessions on research methodology, and then to undertake intensive research in international law, prepare written submissions and develop oral submissions which are then refined through mooting practice.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- undertake international legal research
- analyse and synthesise international legal information and materials
- apply international law to complex issues, and critique the law from a practical perspective, either individually or as part of a team
- prepare appropriate and practical written and oral arguments for a specialist legal audience
- reflect on their abilities to effectively undertake legal work as a member of a team.

Core Documentation

• James Crawford, Brownlie’s Principles of Public International Law (Oxford University Press, 8th ed, 2012).
• Malcolm N Shaw, International Law (Cambridge University Press, 6th ed, 2008).
• Robert Jennings and Arthur Watts (eds), Oppenheim’s International Law (Longman, 9th ed, 1992).
• Antonio Cassese, International Law (Oxford University Press, 2nd ed, 2005).

Type of delivery of the course

The course is characterized by the interaction with students, by promoting the discussion on the legal arguments elaborated by them.

Type of evaluation

At the oral examination students discuss the legal arguments developed within the written memorials prepared for the participation to the international moot court.