In this course, the fundamental principles and elements of international public law are examined. International public law is traditionally distinguished from other forms of international law on the basis that it primarily deals with the legal relations between nation states. You will develop an appreciation for the general principles, rules and institutions that facilitate orderly intergovernmental relations. How and why international legal obligations are increasingly forming part of Australia's domestic law and therefore of relevance to the legal practitioner are also discussed.
The unit will introduce you to the sources of international legal materials as well as develop research and analytical skills that draws upon judicial interpretation, identification and analysis of customary international law and the important of international treaties and agreements as a source of international legal principles and norms.