Transnational Corporations and Developing Public International Law

In recent years the international community has been developing various international codes of conduct, many of which will contain rules governing the behavior of transnational corporations (TNCs). Most of these rules are being developed with little or no direct TNC participation. Professor Charney argues that because TNCs represent major, independent centers of influence, failure to include them in the codes of conduct negotiations may result in rules that do not accurately reflect the realities of TNC interests and power. If the international community later seeks to convert these rules into legal norms, TNC resistance will probably place costly strains on both the rules and the entire international legal system. Professor Charney concludes that the international community should permit TNCs and other interested power groups to participate directly in the development of international norms applicable to their interests. But he cautions that it would be unwise to give TNCs complete international legal personality because this, too, might place undue strains on the international legal system

Public International Law

This course explores the nature and content of the law governing relations between states and relations between states and non-state actors. The first part of the course examines the building blocks of international law; the second part applies this knowledge to particular topics, such as the use of force, human rights and international humanitarian law. By the end of the course, students will possess an understanding of the operation of the international legal system and the role of international law in international affairs. Students will also develop their critical thinking skills and gain an introduction to legal reasoning and to legal concepts. The course requires students to read closely, to think logically and rigorously, and to become skilled in developing and critiquing arguments. The course will explore methods of legal reasoning, emphasizing principles of logic that apply to legal analysis. Students will apply and learn these legal reasoning skills throughout the course in assignments and class discussion and in a class specifically devoted to legal reasoning. The ability to think critically and analytically, and to communicate an analysis clearly, are crucial skills not only for lawyers, but for practitioners of diplomacy and for all professionals. In terms of the learning goals and student outcomes the School\u27s Faculty have identified as key for students, students will: • increase their knowledge and understanding of o key concepts, models, theories, and debates in international relations o the institutional backdrop underpinning international politics, including international organizations and international law o the normative aspect of international relations as reflected in international law, including human rights o an in-depth knowledge of a particular functional area and/or region of the world • develop skills to o collect, sort, and evaluate information o analyze complex situations and synthesize information o communicate effectively in oral and written form • develop a sense of global citizenship and to employ a global perspective to: o recognize and understand differences among a diversity of cultures and viewpoints o employ a global perspective and self-awareness regarding their own culture and responsibility as world citizens o demonstrate leadership qualities and other essential skills of diplomacy

Public International Law

International law distributes power, resources, and rights to individuals, states, corporations, and other entities. International courts adjudicate key ethical questions such as the expression of religion in public, the rights of groups, or the duty to prosecute or to grant amnesty for atrocities. States use international law as a justification both for military intervention and for the refusal to intervene. Refugees fleeing war zones encounter international law when they cross borders, enter camps, plead for citizenship, search for food and water, or claim basic rights. Whether considering the international order from the perspective of the most or the least powerful people or groups, comprehending it requires understanding the power, limitations, and functions of international law. This course will introduce students to the field of public international law. Historically understood as the law governing relations between states, public international law now addresses a multitude of other actors and subjects. Both the subjects and the substance of the field have radically transformed over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, adding not only non-state actors but substantive areas like human rights, the use of force, criminal law, and humanitarian law. In addition, the field has become associated with questions of global governance and interdependence. This course will explore the foundations of the international legal order by examining the definitions, rights, and obligations of key actors, the sources of international law, substantive areas, and emerging norms and regimes. By the end of the semester, students should have knowledge of key concepts, doctrines and debates involved in the study of international law. Students will also develop familiarity with legal reasoning and analysis. Law is, centrally, about making arguments; in reading and analyzing a wide variety of international legal cases, issues, and doctrines, students will become skilled at identifying, critiquing, and developing legal arguments. The course will also help students to develop critical reading and writing faculties that extend beyond the legal field. We will pay special attention to the political effects of law and the legal effects of political decisions. In the process, we will identify both the differences between legal and political activity and the inextricable links between them in the global order. or on a screen, is to make everyone feel welcome, included, safe, and confident. I include participation as part of the evaluation because it helps us get to know each other better and it helps you learn the material. Law is a particularly hard subject to study without speaking it aloud; that\u27s why law school teaching involves so much question and answer and so little lecturing. AU of that said, if you are for any reason uncomfortable speaking in class, please sign up to come chat with me and we will work together to develop a participation strategy that works for you. (B) Case briefs. (20%) You will submit three case briefs on the dates indicated in the syllabus (Look carefully - not everyone is writing the same briefs!). Briefs are always due though Safe Assign the day before that class assignment at 7:00PM. Late briefs will be penalized 1/3 a mark; briefs that are more than a week late will not be accepted. Case briefs will be graded on a check, check minus, check plus system. (C) Exams. As marked on the syllabus, the two exams will be taking place in class on the dates below. Exam I. (30%) The first exam will be on October 13. Exam II. (35%) The second exam will be on December 8

Public International Law

Exam paper for first semester: LL.B. ; B.A. (Law) ; B.Com. (Law) ; B.A. (International Relations