Full Description
This new text reflects the breadth and diversity of contemporary public international law, offering original contributions from key authorities actively involved in the current practice and teaching of international law. Written in an engaging and lucid style, the volume is an ideal resource for undergraduates and postgraduates of the subject area. Coverage closely follows the scope of current courses, opening with a series of short introductory contributions from those in such varied institutions as: the International Civil Service, the International Court, a law firm and the Bar. These personal reflections offer a cross-section of stimulating perspectives upon the role of international law in various spheres of legal and public life and introduce elements of international law that are addressed in later chapters. Parts I-VI consider the key building blocks of the law, addressing elements of history, theories and sources of international law, organizational bodies and place the notions of sovereignty, responsibility and obligations within an international context.
The final part provides a series of overviews of contemporary issues and areas of interest such as international environmental law, international criminal law and the international protection of human rights. Though inter-related, each chapter is self-contained and can be read for comment on specific topics while, taken as a whole, the book provides a complete overview of current theories and issues within international law. As such, the volume can be used as a stand alone text for public international law. The 7-part structure enables easy navigation throughout the text while the focused further reading sections guide students towards the most current and relevant sources for further, more detailed research. Offering an impressive selection of authoritative and stimulating commentary in one volume, this is an essential text for all those studying public international law.
Contents
INTRODUCTION: PERSPECTIVES ON INTERNATIONAL LAW; From the International Civil Servant; From the National Diplomat; From the International Court; From the National Court; From the Bar; From the Solicitor; I THE HISTORY AND THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW; 1. A Short History of International Law; 2. What is International Law For?; II THE STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION; 3. The Sources of International Law as a Consensual Bond; 4. International Law and 'Relative Normativity'; 5. The Law of Treaties; III THE SUBJECTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ORDER; 6. State and Recognition in International Law; 7. International Organizations; 8. The Individual and the International Legal System; IV THE SCOPE OF SOVEREIGNTY; 9. Sovereignty and the Principles of Jurisdiction; 10. Restraints upon Exercise of National Jurisdiction by States; 11. Personal Immunities from National Jurisdiction; 12. The Relationship Between International and National Law; V RESPONSIBILITY; 13. The Nature and Forms of International Responsibility; 14. Admissibility, Nationality and Defences to Responsibility; VI RESPONDING TO BREACHES OF INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS; 15. Countermeasures and Sanctions; 16. The Means of Dispute Settlement; 17. The International Court of Justice; 18. The Use of Force and the International Legal Order; VII THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW; 19. The Law of the Sea; 20. International Environmental Law; 21. International Economic Law; 22. International Criminal Law; 23. International Protection of Human Rights; 24. Humanitarian Law
