International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes from Coursera

‘Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is the second course in Leiden University’s new series on International Law in Action. The first course covered international courts and tribunals in The Hague in general. This second course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague.

Atrocities produce unspeakable forms of violence. We will explore whether and how international criminal justice contribute to what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon called the ‘age of accountability’. The theory is, those who commit the worst of human crimes, are held accountable, whether they are rank-and-file foot soldiers or military commanders, whether they are lowly civil servants following orders or top political leaders. We will test how this can be done and if this is realistic.

During this course, you will be offered a look into the ‘kitchen’ of the Hague international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn how international criminal justice functions, who the actors are, what outcomes it produces, and how it can be improved.

If you want to gain a better understanding of international criminal cases, like the Lubanga case, the ICC’s first ever trial, and the legal legacy of UN international criminal tribunals, then this course is definitely for you!

This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to this course

Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about international criminal justice. The course starts with a short introduction module. To give you a better understanding what this course is about and help you study succesfully in an online course. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck & we hope you will enjoy this course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Serves the interest of individuals who want to learn investigating techniques

The instructors are renown experts, Carsten Stahn and Sergey Vasiliev from Leiden University's

It provides comprehensive knowledge on investigating and prosecuting international crimes, following its practice in The Hague

Covers a wide range of topics, from international criminal law to remedies for victims of international crimes

Taught by renowned professionals in the field

Provides practical, hands-on experience in investigating and prosecuting international crimes

Reviews summary

International criminal justice insider view

According to learners, this course provides a highly valuable insider perspective on international criminal justice. Students frequently praise the expert insights offered by the instructors, who are often practitioners in the field. The course content is described as well-structured and comprehensive, covering core concepts, institutions, trial processes, and remedies. Many appreciate the focus on real-world cases like the Lubanga trial, which helps ground the theoretical material in practical application. While the course is largely positive received, some learners note that the assigned readings can be extensive and recommend dedicating sufficient time for them. Overall, it is seen as an excellent resource for understanding international criminal law in action.

Readings are valuable but demanding.

"The amount of reading material is substantial, but definitely worth it."

"Be prepared for a lot of reading if you want to fully engage with the course."

"I spent a significant amount of time on the readings each week."

"The provided readings are high-quality and supplement the lectures well."

Appreciated practical case examples.

"Using the Lubanga case throughout was extremely helpful for understanding."

"The focus on specific international criminal cases made the content relatable."

"I enjoyed learning about how the theories apply in actual trials."

"Real-world examples provided valuable context."

Content is well-organized and detailed.

"The course is very well structured, moving logically from concepts to procedures."

"The material covers core aspects of international criminal law comprehensively."

"Lectures are clear and easy to follow, building knowledge week by week."

"I found the syllabus flow logical and the topics covered relevant."

Gain perspective from practitioners.

"The insights from the experts, actual practitioners, are invaluable."

"Learning directly from people who work in the field makes this course unique."

"The instructors' experience added so much depth and credibility to the material."

"I appreciated hearing the perspectives of those directly involved in international criminal cases."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes with these activities:

Review basic principles of the ICC

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Review the basic principles of the ICC to strengthen your understanding of its role and mandate.

Browse courses on International Criminal Court

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Read the Rome Statute
Explore the ICC website
Watch videos or documentaries about the ICC

Review 'Prosecuting International Crimes'

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Review the course textbook to gain a foundational understanding of international criminal law and the prosecution of international crimes.

View Justice as Message: Expressivist Foundations of... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter of the book.
Summarize the key concepts and principles discussed in the reading.
Identify the different types of international crimes and their elements.
Discuss the challenges and complexities of prosecuting international crimes.

Discuss international crimes with peers

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Engage with peers to critically examine the definition and elements of international crimes.

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Form a study group or join an online discussion forum
Prepare discussion topics
Actively participate in discussions

Eight other activities

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Follow tutorials on international criminal tribunals

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Explore online tutorials and resources to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and fonctionnement of international criminal tribunals.

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Search for tutorials on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Watch videos or read articles explaining the ICC's jurisdiction and procedures.
Explore the ICC's website to learn about ongoing cases and judgments.
Find tutorials on other international criminal tribunals, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Learn about international criminal tribunals

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Expand your knowledge of international criminal tribunals beyond the ICC.

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Identify different international criminal tribunals
Research their mandates and jurisdictions
Review case summaries and judgments
Watch videos or listen to podcasts about these tribunals

Join a study group to discuss course material

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Engage in collaborative learning by joining a study group to discuss course material, share insights, and test your understanding.

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Find or form a study group with other students taking the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the assigned readings, lectures, and case studies.
Prepare questions and share perspectives to stimulate discussion.
Work together to solve problems and clarify difficult concepts.

Compile a timeline of international criminal cases

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Strengthen your understanding of the historical development of international criminal law by creating a timeline of significant cases.

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Research and identify major international criminal cases.
Gather information about the cases, including the dates, parties involved, charges, and outcomes.
Create a timeline using a tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
Include brief descriptions of each case and its significance in the development of international criminal law.

Contribute to an open-source project related to international criminal law

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Apply your knowledge and skills by contributing to open-source projects that advance the field of international criminal law.

Browse courses on International Criminal Law

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Identify open-source projects related to international criminal law.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Contact the project maintainers to express your interest in contributing.
Follow the project's guidelines and contribute code, documentation, or other resources.

Mentor a student interested in international criminal law

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Deepen your understanding of international criminal law by sharing your knowledge and expertise with others.

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Identify a student who is interested in learning about international criminal law.
Offer your guidance and support as they explore the field.
Share your insights, experiences, and resources.
Encourage them to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Develop a presentation on a specific international criminal case

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Enhance your analytical and communication skills by selecting a specific international criminal case, researching it in-depth, and developing a presentation to share with others.

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Select an international criminal case that you find particularly compelling or complex.
Conduct thorough research on the case, including its background, legal issues, and impact.
Create a visually appealing and informative presentation that outlines the key aspects of the case.
Practice your presentation and deliver it to an audience.

Participate in an international criminal law moot court competition

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Immerse yourself in the practical aspects of international criminal law by participating in a moot court competition and honing your advocacy skills.

Browse courses on International Criminal Law

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Identify and register for an international criminal law moot court competition.
Form a team and assign roles to each member.
Conduct thorough research on the case and prepare written submissions.
Attend the competition and present your arguments before a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Academic

Academics teach and conduct research at universities and other institutions of higher education. They publish their findings in academic journals and books, and present their work at conferences. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for academics who teach or research in the field of international law or human rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic

Human Rights Officer

Human rights officers work to protect and promote human rights. They investigate human rights violations, provide legal assistance to victims, and advocate for human rights reforms. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for human rights officers who work on cases involving international law or human rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Officer

Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including social issues, economic trends, and scientific discoveries. They publish their findings in academic journals and books, and present their work at conferences. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for researchers who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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International Relations Officer

International relations officers work to promote cooperation between countries. They negotiate treaties, resolve disputes, and promote economic development. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for international relations officers who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad. They negotiate treaties, resolve disputes, and promote economic development. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for diplomats who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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International Development Specialist

International development specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They design and implement programs that address issues such as poverty, hunger, and disease. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for international development specialists who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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Prosecutor

Prosecutors are lawyers who represent the government in criminal cases. They investigate crimes, file charges, and present evidence in court. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for prosecutors who work on cases involving international law or human rights.

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Judge

Judges preside over court proceedings and make decisions on legal matters. They interpret the law and apply it to the facts of a case. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for judges who preside over cases involving international law or human rights.

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Activist

Activists work to promote social and political change. They organize protests, lobby governments, and raise awareness of important issues. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for activists who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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Policy Advisor

Policy advisors provide advice to governments and other organizations on public policy issues. They research and analyze policy options, and make recommendations on how to implement them. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for policy advisors who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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Legal Advisor

Legal advisors provide legal advice to governments, businesses, and individuals. They draft legal documents, conduct research, and negotiate contracts. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for legal advisors who work on cases involving international law or human rights.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs, manage staff, and raise funds. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for nonprofit managers who work on issues related to international law or human rights.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals and families. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for social workers who work with victims of international crimes or who advocate for the rights of marginalized groups.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on news stories. They interview sources, write articles, and produce news broadcasts. This course may be useful for someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for journalists who report on international law or human rights issues.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. This course may be useful to someone working in this field, as it provides an overview of international criminal law and the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. This knowledge could be helpful for lawyers who work on cases involving international law or human rights.

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