International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague from Coursera

International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice.

The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of dispute settlement, such as negotiation and mediation. It offers a brief historical overview and introduces the judicial and arbitral bodies based in The Hague. In the remaining modules you will learn about the functions of these courts and tribunals, and some of the challenges and prospects that they face. Three cross-cutting themes tie together all of these modules: (i) The interaction between law and politics; (ii) The continuing role of State consent; and (iii) The ability of international courts and tribunals to protect the public interest and global values.

This course offers you an opportunity to gain a better insight into the functions and features of the courts and tribunals present in The Hague. You will gain a familiarity with each court or tribunal. You will develop realistic expectations of their capacity to address contemporary problems and an awareness of their limitations. You will also be able to discuss some of their most prominent cases.

If you would like to have a better understanding of international law in action in The Hague, this is definitely the course 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

An introduction to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

Welcome to this first week in which we will enter the world of the international judiciary with you. We will discuss the evolution of international dispute settlement in our international legal order. The leading question is: why did people start thinking about creating international courts? We will also introduce the community of international courts present in The Hague today.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

This week we are going to explore the principle judicial organ of the United Nations—the International Court of Justice. This Court has dual functions as an institution that settles disputes between States, and as an advice giver within the UN system. We will explore the limitations that the Court faces in its fulfilment of these functions as well as its potential as an institution, particularly in the context of disputes involving the protection of the environment. From this week onwards, you will also be able to start working on the peer assignment. All relevant information with regard to the peer assignment can be find below. We look forward to reading how you view the future of the international courts and tribunals in The Hague!

The Arbitration of International Disputes

This week, we will explore the world of international arbitration. More specifically, we will focus on the Permanent court of arbitration, inter-state arbitration and investor-state arbitration. Through our videos, you will discover the history and characteristics of arbitration and you will understand how its functioning is impacted by the dynamics at play within the international and domestic societies. You will also come to realize the importance of public interests in the disputes settled through arbitration and you will learn how they are taken into account in international arbitration.

International Criminal Courts and Tribunals

This week examines a relatively new type of international courts, namely international criminal courts, with a focus on the ICC. We will discuss ongoing cases and debates, including sensitive issues such as the prosecution of sitting Heads of States. We will also inquire whether the international community is in need of a new dedicated international terrorism tribunal.

Conclusions of the three Course Themes

This week, we will directly focus on the three course themes that have structured our discussions in the previous modules: law and politics, state consent and global values. For each of these themes, the videos of this module will give you the opportunity to synthetize the knowledge that you have acquired over the course and to compare the various courts and tribunals that have been analyzed through the lenses of the course themes. The videos in this module will also offer you some concluding observations and insights which will stimulate you to continue to reflect on these three themes and the international courts in The Hague more generally. This week, you will also take the final exam of this course; good luck on this!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the various courts and tribunals at The Hague, which is useful for learning about international dispute settlement

Develops an understanding of the functions of each of the courts and tribunals at The Hague, which is useful for gaining a detailed perspective of international dispute settlement

Provides insights into the challenges and prospects faced by the courts and tribunals at The Hague, which is valuable for gaining a nuanced understanding of international dispute settlement

Designed for learners with an interest in international dispute settlement, particularly those seeking to gain a broad understanding of the courts and tribunals at The Hague

Offers perspectives on the role of international courts and tribunals in global justice, which is useful for developing a broader perspective on international law

Requires learners to have a basic understanding of international law, which may not be suitable for complete beginners with no prior exposure to the field

Reviews summary

International law with real-world cases

Learners say that the International Law in Action course is an excellent and informative course for understanding international law and the international courts and tribunals in The Hague. The course is well-structured and well-organized, with clear and concise content. The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, and they provide valuable feedback to learners. The course engaging assignments and provides opportunities for learners to collaborate with each other, which helps to foster a sense of community among the participants. Overall, learners highly recommend this course for anyone who is interested in learning more about international law.

The course uses real-life case studies and simulations to engage learners in the practical application of international law.

"One of the course's strengths is its interactive nature."

"The instructors use real-life case studies and simulations to engage learners in the practical application of international law."

The course instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, providing valuable feedback to learners.

"The expertise of the teachers, and their understanding of the subject matter, is what made the class a real treat to be in."

"The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, and they provide valuable feedback to learners on their assignments."

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of international law and the practical application in real-world examples.

"The course is a true gem for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of international law and its practical application in the esteemed courts and tribunals of The Hague."

"The course is extremely helpful to understand the rationale behind the creation of international courts and tribunals."

"The course was extremely good. Course materials were very clear and concise, videos and interviews very helpful and informative."

One learner mentioned a poor grading system with the course.

"good course and very beneficial for law students however poor grading system it's sometimes a struggle to pass."

Some learners found the readings to be challenging, but the videos helped create a great framework to work from.

"This course was a fantastic introduction to International Law for me. I found some of the readings challenging, but the videos helped create a great framework to work from."

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: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague with these activities:

Watch Jurisprudence Explained videos on YouTube

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Expand your understanding of key legal concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Jurisprudence

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Access Jurisprudence Explained on YouTube
Select a video relevant to the course topic
Watch the video and take notes

Read 'The International Court of Justice' by Philippe Sands

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Gain in-depth understanding of the history, structure, and functioning of the ICJ.

View The Last Colony on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Allocate specific time slots for reading
Take notes and highlight key passages

Join a study group

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Engage with peers to discuss course concepts and deepen your understanding.

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Identify potential study group members
Suggest a regular meeting time
Review course materials and prepare discussion topics

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Solve practice problems on international law cases

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Test your knowledge of international law principles and improve your analytical skills.

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Gather practice problems from textbooks or online resources
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Check your answers against provided solutions

Write a blog post on a current international law issue

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Develop your critical thinking and communication skills while staying up-to-date on contemporary legal issues.

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Choose a current international law topic that interests you
Research and gather information from credible sources
Write a well-structured blog post presenting your analysis and insights

Develop a mock legal brief on an international law case

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Gain a practical understanding of legal research and argumentation in the context of international law.

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Identify a specific international law case
Research the relevant laws and precedents
Draft a legal brief outlining your arguments and supporting evidence

Contribute to the International Criminal Court's online database

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Get hands-on experience with international criminal law while supporting the ICC's mission.

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Visit the ICC's website and explore the online database
Identify an area where you can contribute (e.g., data entry, translation)
Contact the ICC for guidance and support

Career center

Learners who complete International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Lawyer

International Lawyers advise clients on legal issues involving multiple countries or international organizations. This course's comprehensive overview of international courts and tribunals in The Hague, including the International Court of Justice, would be highly beneficial for aspiring International Lawyers. Understanding the functions, challenges, and potential of these institutions is crucial for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Lawyer

Professor of International Law

Professors of International Law teach and conduct research on international law. This course's comprehensive coverage of the functions and challenges of international courts and tribunals in The Hague would be highly valuable for aspiring Professors of International Law. Understanding the practical aspects of international law and the role of these institutions is essential for teaching and research in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of International Law

Human Rights Advocate

Human Rights Advocates work to protect and promote human rights around the world. This course's examination of international criminal courts and tribunals, particularly the ICC, would provide valuable knowledge for Human Rights Advocates. Understanding the legal mechanisms for prosecuting international crimes and protecting human rights is essential in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Advocate

Arbitrator

Arbitrators serve as impartial third parties who resolve disputes between parties in a binding manner. This course's focus on international arbitration and the Permanent Court of Arbitration provides a strong foundation for individuals seeking a career as an Arbitrator. Understanding the history, characteristics, and nuances of international arbitration would be highly valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arbitrator

Legal Researcher

Legal Researchers conduct legal research and analysis to support lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. This course's focus on the legal principles, precedents, and procedures of international courts and tribunals would provide a strong foundation for Legal Researchers specializing in international law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legal Researcher

Government Lawyer

Government Lawyers specializing in international law would benefit from this course's comprehensive overview of international courts and tribunals. Understanding the legal principles, procedures, and challenges involved in international disputes and the role of these institutions is essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Lawyer

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad and negotiate with foreign governments. This course's insights into the role of international courts and tribunals in resolving disputes and protecting global values would be beneficial for Diplomats. Understanding the legal framework and processes involved in international relations is crucial for effective diplomacy.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. This course's focus on the interaction between law and politics in international courts and tribunals would be valuable for Compliance Officers working in multinational corporations or international organizations. Understanding the legal complexities and ethical considerations of international business is crucial for effective compliance management.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide expert advice to policymakers on various issues. This course's exploration of the interaction between law and politics, state consent, and global values in international courts and tribunals would be valuable for Policy Advisors. Understanding these dynamics is essential for providing informed advice on international relations and global governance.

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International Development Consultant

International Development Consultants provide expertise and support to organizations working on international development projects. This course's focus on the role of international courts and tribunals in protecting human rights and promoting global values would be valuable for Consultants working in the fields of human rights, conflict resolution, or humanitarian aid. Understanding the legal frameworks and mechanisms for addressing global challenges is essential for effective development work.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers working in international development or human rights organizations would find this course's exploration of global values and the role of international courts and tribunals highly relevant. Understanding the legal mechanisms for protecting human rights and promoting global justice is crucial for effective nonprofit management in these fields.

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International Relations Analyst

International Relations Analysts provide analysis and insights on international relations and global affairs. This course's exploration of the interplay between law and politics in international courts and tribunals would be valuable for International Relations Analysts. Understanding the legal dimensions of international relations is crucial for informed analysis and policy recommendations.

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Peacebuilder

Peacebuilders work to prevent and resolve conflicts around the world. This course's exploration of international criminal courts and tribunals and their role in promoting accountability and reconciliation would be valuable for Peacebuilders. Understanding the legal mechanisms for addressing war crimes and human rights violations is crucial for effective peacebuilding efforts.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts assess and manage risks for businesses and organizations. This course's exploration of the challenges and limitations of international courts and tribunals would provide valuable insights for Risk Analysts specializing in international law or global governance. Understanding the legal and political factors that shape international disputes and their potential impact on organizations is crucial for effective risk management.

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Journalist

Journalists specializing in international news and law would benefit from this course's insights into the functions and impact of international courts and tribunals. Understanding the legal framework and complexities of international disputes and the role of these institutions in shaping global events is essential for accurate and informed reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist