IRS 305: Law of Nations (International Law)

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

  1. state clearly the sources of international law;
  2. explain actual practices of state which according to Hugo Grotius constitute a major source of international law in the modern time;
  3. discuss adjudication process and enforcement under international law;
  4. explain the roles of the International Court of Justice as the custodian and interpreter of the rules of international law; and
  5. enumerate the weaknesses of international law when compared with municipal law.
Course Contents

The foundations of international law. Problems of formation, changes and modern trends. Sources of international law, including the Catholic-made law: actual practices of states as identified by Hugo Grotius as another source of International Law, Customs, Conventions and treaties as other sources of International Law. Sources of obligation in international law. Adjudication and enforcement of International Law. The role of the International Court of Justice as the custodian of the rules of international law. Weaknesses of International Law vis-à-vis municipal law.