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[IAS 5013] International Law - 221

Course Description

International Law

This course is an advanced graduate survey on the subject of Public International Law. It focuses both on classical and contemporary topics of international law. We will discuss the sources of international law, the state as the main subject of international law, state jurisdiction and responsibility for breach of international law.  In addition to this, contemporary issues of international law—including the protection of individuals under International Law, the repression of international crimes and the role of international law in the US legal system—will be covered through practical case studies and lectures. This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of International Law and the role it plays in international relations.

Class Dates, Format, Location and Hours


Dates January 24 – January 29, 2023
Format Virtual: Synchronous via Zoom and asynchronous via Canvas
Location Wiesbaden Education Center, Bldg. 1023 East, Basement Room 04, Clay Kaserne, 65205, Germany
Hours Tuesday-Friday 6:00-9:30pm CET, Saturday 2:00-4:30pm CET
Last day to enroll or drop without penalty December 26, 2022

Site Director


Name Ms. Nicole Sewell and Mr. Wade Jackson
Office address/location Wiesbaden Education Center, Bldg. 1023 East, Basement Room 011, Clay Kaserne, 65205, Germany
Office hours Monday 0800 - 1500
Tuesday-Friday 0800-1600
Email [email protected]
DSN and CIV phone DSN: 548-1309 or CIV: 49-(0)611-143-548-1309

Professor Contact Information


Course Professor Giovanna E. Gismondi
Email Address [email protected]
Professor availability The professor will be available to students via email and after Zoom meetings.

Textbook(s) and Instructional Materials

Student materials are available at the OU Bookstore Website at https://ou.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php. The website has book selling, renting, buying, returning, and order tracking capabilities. If you need help with an order, or if you have any questions contact the toll-free phone at 1-(855)-790-6637, agents are available from 9a – 5p (EST) Monday – Friday. Text prices are available online

  1. Cassese's International Law by Paola Gaeta; Jorge E. Viñuales; Salvatore Zappalá Published by OUP Oxford (2020) ISBN: 9780199231287
  2. Materials posted on the OU Canvas learning management system: Access Canvas at https://canvas.ou.edu, enter your OU NetID and password, and select course to access material. If you require assistance with Canvas, please click on the Help icon.  You can search the Canvas guides, chat with Canvas support, or contact OU IT.
Cassese's International Law
Cassese's International Law
by Paola Gaeta; Jorge E. Viñuales; Salvatore Zappalá
Published by OUP Oxford
ISBN: 9780199231287
Required

Course Objectives

This course is designed to:

1.     Provide understanding of the functions of the international legal system and the limits of international law.

2.     Provide understanding of the role of power relations in the development and enforcement of international law.

3.     Develop the students’ ability to carry out legal analysis, spot legal issues and identify applicable rules.

4.     Develop the students’ writing skills.

5.     Develop critical thinking and the ability to construe persuasive arguments.

Course Outline

1.     Origins and Foundations of International Law

2.     Relationship between International law and Municipal Law

3.     International law and the use of force by states

4.     The Settlement of Disputes by Peaceful means

5.     State Succession: the establishment, transformation, and termination of states

6.     Liability of States under International Law

7.     Immunities of States and State Officials from foreign jurisdiction

8.     International Law’s effort to protect human dignity, including international human rights law, the law of war, and international criminal law

9.     Sources of International Law: Customary International Law v. Treaties The domestic incorporation of International Law

 

Class Schedule: 

 

Tuesday 24th

  • Cassese Section 1: Main Legal Features of the International Community

Tuesday 24th - Wednesday 25th 

  • Cassese Section 3: The Fundamental Principles Governing International Relations.
  1. The Sovereign Equality of States
  2. Non-Intervention in the Internal or External Affairs of other States
  3. Prohibition of the Threat or Use of Force
  4. Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
  5. Self-determination of Peoples

Thursday 26th

  1. Cassese Section 3 (continued): The Fundamental principles governing International Relations
  • Case: U.S. v. Columba-Collela (Passive Personality)
  • Case: U.S. v. Romeo Galue (Protective Principle)
  • Case: U.S. v. Alvarez-Machain (Jurisdiction to Enforce)
  • Case: Nicaragua v. United States of America (Case Concerning the Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua)
  • Case: Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America (Case concerning Oil Platforms)

 

  • Cassese Section 4: States as the Primary Subjects of International Law

Friday 27th

  • Cassese, Section 5: The Spatial Dimension of State activities.
  1. Cassese Section 6: Limitations on States’ Sovereignty: Immunities and Treatment of Individuals.
  2. Introduction, pg. 98 
  3. Immunity of Foreign States from Courts’ Jurisdiction
  4. Immunities of Organs of Foreign States
  5. Immunity of Diplomatic & Consular Agents
  6. Immunities of Heads of State and Government
  7. Duration of Privileges and Immunities
  8. Personal Immunities and International Crimes
  • Case:Alejandre v. Republic of Cuba (Terrorist Act)
  • Case: U.S. v. Noriega (Head of State Immunity)
  • Case: Mexico v. United States (Avena and other Mexican Nationals)

Saturday 28th 

Other International Legal Subjects

  • Cassese, Section 7:  International Governmental Organizations
  1. Cassese, Section 8: The Individual
  • Case:Bankovic and Others v. Belgium and Others, European Ct. H.R.
  • Case:Saldia de Lopez v. Uruguay, Human Rights Committee
  • Case: Soering v. UK, European Court on Human rights
  1. Cassese Section 9: Creation and Implementation of International Legal Standards

      Customs 

  • Case: The Paquete Habana & The Lola 

Treaties 

  • Case:Domingues v Nevada (Reservation)
  • Case:Breard v. Greene (Treaty – Federal Law conflict)

Sunday 29th

  1. Final Exam 4-6pm (posted on CANVAS)

Assignments, Grading and Due Dates

Summary Reports: 

Summary Reports count for 40% of your final grade.  There will be 4 summary reports covering 14 cases that will be assigned throughout the course (see chart below). The cases due for summary report will be available on Canvas a month or so before classes begin. In the reports, students need to summarize the cases and demonstrate understanding of the material. The case study analysis must include the facts of the case, position of the parties to the dispute, issue before the Court, and reasoning and conclusion of the Court. Personal opinions about the subject are welcome, but cannot substitute the case analysis. I advise you to post your summary reports as early as you can.  Take into consideration that some cases are lengthy and time consuming. These reports can be posted at any time, as long as they are posted by the due date.

Additionally, each report must be posted on a single document on Canvas in the drop-box according to the schedule shown below.  Each report consists of several cases. While there is no length limit, analysis of each case typically consists of 1 1/2 ‑ 2 pages.  Analyze each case independently. Do not combine the cases as each case deals with different aspect of International Law. All 14 cases are due. Make sure to have a heading for each case under analysis. Write your name on the top of each report.

There are two examples of summary reports on Canvas. If you experience problems posting your report on Canvas, e-mail it to me by the due date. Late summary reports will not be accepted. Feel free to email me your report for a feedback before the due date. + Readings for all the cases will be available on Canvas.ou.edu two months before the start of the class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary Report 

Cases 

Due Date 

US v. Columba-Collela (Passive Personality) 

US v. Romeo Galue (Protective Principle) 

US v. Alvarez-Machain (Jurisdiction to Enforce)  

Nicaragua v. United States of America (Case Concerning the Military and Paramilitary Activities in and Against Nicaragua) 

Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America (Case concerning Oil Platforms) 

January 25

Alejandre v. Republic of Cuba (Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act)  

U.S. v. Noriega (Head of State Immunity) 

Mexico v. United States (Capital Punishment) 

January 26

Bankovic and Others v. Belgium and Others, European Ct. H.R. (Extraterritorial application of human rights treaties) 

Saldia de Lopez v. Uruguay, Human Rights Committee (Abduction) 

Soering v. UK, European Court on Human Rights (inhumane treatment) 

January 27

The Paquete Habana & The Lola  

Domingues v. Nevada (Case on Reservations) 

Breard v. Greene (on Prevalence of Federal Law) 

January 28

Final Exam: 

There will be one examination, which counts for 50% of your final grade.  The final exam will be an open-book exam held on the last day of class Sunday, January 29th 2023, 4pm to 6pm (2 hrs). It will cover the entire course material.  The exam will consist of 3-4 essay questions. Missing the final exam will be equivalent to failing the course.  

Participation: 

Class participation counts for 10% of your final grade. I will adjust final grades for students who have actively participated in class discussion and who have demonstrated knowledge of the required material. 

Zoom Meetings: 

Tuesday - Friday 6:00-9:30 pm. CET

Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CET

Link to zoom meetings will be posted on CANVAS under announcement.

Document Supplement: 

I have compiled a packet to be used in class, which contains relevant treaties to class discussion.  All supplemental in-class materials will be posted on Canvas.  Be sure to print the packet and have it in class with you each day, as we will reference it regularly. 

Grading

This is a letter-graded course: A, B, C, D, or F. Grading Scale: 90 to 100% guarantees an A; 75% to 89% is a B; 60% to 74% is a C; 40% to 59% D; below 40% is an F.  

Notice: Failure to meet assignment due dates could result in a grade of I (Incomplete) and may adversely impact Tuition Assistance and/or Financial Aid.

Assignment Due Date Percentage of Grade
Summary Reports See Summary Report Table Above 40%
Class Participation Via Zoom 10%
In Class Final Exam January 29, 2023 50%

POLICIES AND NOTICES

Attendance/Grade Policy

Attendance and participation in interaction, individual assignments, group exercises, simulations, role playing, etc. are valuable aspects of any course because much of the learning comes from discussions in class with other students. It is expected that you attend all classes and be on time except for excused emergencies.

Excused absences are given for professor mandated activities or legally required activities such as emergencies or military assignments. It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays. Unavoidable personal emergencies, including (but not limited to) serious illness; delays in getting to class because of accidents, etc.; deaths and funerals, and hazardous road conditions will be excused.

If you are obtaining financial assistance (TA, STAP, FA, VA, Scholarship, etc.) to pay all or part of your tuition cost, you must follow your funding agency/institution’s policy regarding “I” (Incomplete) grades unless the timeline is longer than what the University policy allows then you must adhere to the University policy. Students who receive Financial Aid must resolve/complete any “I” (Incomplete) grades by the end of the term or he/she may be placed on “financial aid probation.” If the “I” grade is not resolved/completed by the end of the following term, the student’s Financial Aid may be suspended make the student ineligible for further Financial Aid.

Students are responsible for meeting the guidelines of Tuition Assistance and Veterans Assistance. See the education counselor at your local education center for a complete description of your TA or VA requirements.

OU faculty will submit grades online through ONE not later than 30 days after the course end date. Course end dates are approximately one calendar month after the final seminar date on this syllabus and are provided on the official scheduling website for reference.

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct 

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; grades exist to show how fully this goal is attained. Therefore all work and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort.

Academic misconduct is any act which improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. Misconduct occurs when the student either knows or reasonably should know that the act constitutes misconduct. Academic misconduct includes: cheating and using unauthorized materials on examinations and other assignments; improper collaboration, submitting the same assignment for different classes (self-plagiarism); fabrication, forgery, alteration of documents, lying, etc…in order to obtain an academic advantage; assisting others in academic misconduct; attempting to commit academic misconduct; destruction of property, hacking, etc…; intimidation and interference with integrity process; and plagiarism. All students should review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html 

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. All students should review policies regarding student conduct at http://studentconduct.ou.edu/ 

Accommodation Statement

The University of Oklahoma is committed to making its activities as accessible as possible. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact your local OU Site Director.

Adjustment for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Please see http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html

Title IX Resources

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at [email protected] or (405) 325-2215 (8-5), or the Sexual Assault Response Team at (405) 615 -0013 (24/7) to report an incident. To learn more about Title IX, please visit the Institutional Equity Office’s website at http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo.html 

Course Policies

Extended Campus (also and formerly known as Advanced Programs) policy is to order books in paperback if available. Courses, dates, and professors are subject to change. Please check with your OU Site Director. Students should retain a copy of any assignments that are e/mailed to the professor for the course. Neither duplicating services nor office supplies are provided.

Any and all course materials, syllabus, lessons, lectures, etc. are the property of professor teaching the course and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma and are protected under applicable copyright.

For more information about OU Extended Campus, visit our website at: http://www.goou.ou.edu/


Statement on Respect

The classroom should provide a safe learning environment where students can express their views without fear of reprisal. That freedom of expression must be balanced by demonstrated respect for other’s viewpoints and appropriate and reasonable sensitivity, especially within the context of scholarly disagreement.  Disrespectful or uncivil dialogue (including, but not limited to, personal attacks, insults, or harassment) will not be tolerated.


Recording Devices/Phones/Computers

It is important for students to be fully present during class to fully benefit from lectures, discussions, and experiential assignments. Class sessions may not be tape-recorded. All telephones and pagers should be turned off or placed on silent mode. Computers may not be used during class. Students who require an exception to this policy should discuss exceptional circumstances with the professor.

INSTRUCTOR VITA

Giovanna Gismondi

Education 

  • Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), Georgetown University, USA
  • Master’s in International Law (LL.M.), Georgetown University, USA
  • Law degree, Universidad de Lima, Perú 

Additional Academic Training  

  • 2014The Erik Castrén Institute of International Law and Human Rights, University of Helsinki; Finland. 
  • 2011The International Institute of Human Rights, Strasbourg, France 
  • 2010Hague Academy of International Law, The Hague, Netherlands 
  • 2009The International Association for Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR International) Harvard University; Cambridge, USA 

Current Positions 

OU Advanced Programs professor since 2009 

Frequently Taught Advanced Programs Courses 

IAS 5013 International Law 

Other courses taught at the University of Oklahoma 

  • International Law 
  • International Investment Law
  • International Trade & NAFTA.
  • International Human Rights
  • Comparative Law

Representative Publications and Presentations 

Book

  • International Investment Law and Arbitration: History, Modern Practice, and Future Prospects  Ian A. Laird, Borzu Sabahi, and Giovanna E. Gismondi. Brill Research Perspectives. January 2018

Representative Articles 

  • The Renco Group, Inc. v. The Republic of Peru: An Assessment of the Investor's Contentions in the Context of Environmental Degradation, 59 Harv. Int'l L. J. Online 1 (2017). Available at http://www.harvardilj.org/wp-content/uploads/Renco-Group-Article-1.pdf 
  • Gismondi, Giovanna E., Denial of Justice: The Latest Indigenous Land Disputes Before the European Court of Human Rights and the Need for an Expansive Interpretation of Protocol 1 (2016), 18 Yale Human Rights and Development Law Journal 1, 2016. Available at: http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1136&context=yhrdlj

Presentations: 

  • Panelist, "10 Years after Torres v. State: International Human Rights, Death Row, and Oklahoma", The University of Oklahoma – Constitutional Studies Students Association, April 14th, 2014.
  • Organizer and Moderator, The Santiago Atitlan massacre and issues of Justice in Guatemala. The Sovereignty Symposium XXIV- 2011. Oklahoma City, OK. June 1, 2011. 
  • Panelist, “The Struggle Against Impunity for Serious Crimes in Guatemala and the concept of Universal Jurisdiction.” The Sovereignty Symposium, XXIII-2010 Oklahoma City, OK. June 2, 2010.   
  • Lectured on Human Rights and Recent Developments of Protection under International Law.  2009 Oklahoma Statewide Conference.  Amnesty International USA. Norman, OK April 4, 2009
  • “Mary and Carrie Dann v. United States at the Inter-American Commission Human Rights”, International Law Panel, Sovereignty Symposium XX, Oklahoma City, OK, May 2007.
  • “Human Rights and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: the strengthening of indigenous people’s rights under International Law”, Universidad de Buenos Aires, School of Law, Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 2007. 
  • “Government Procurement and the North American Free Trade Agreement”, Second International Conference on Government Procurement, Universidad de Lima, School of Law, Lima, Peru, July 2006.

Major Professional Affiliations 

  • Member of the International Law Association. (ILA) (American Branch)
  • Member of the American Society of International Law (ASIL)
  • Member of the Lima Bar Association, Lima, Peru.