Advanced Course on the Law of Treaties – Sources and Interpretation in International Law

  

Prof. Martin SCHEININ

Tuesday, 17.15-19.15, Sala Triaria

Administrative Assistant: Annick Bulckaen 

Starts on 4 October 2011

6 credits

 

Seminar description

This advanced course will focus on the law of treaties as a branch of public international law. The 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) will form a frame of reference for the discussions but not be subjected to systematic study. Rather, the course seeks to go beyond and behind the VCLT through in-depth examination of specific topics that are indicative of more general issues and problems. Through delving into questions about sources and interpretation in international law the course intends to support the participants in developing their methodological skills in addressing issues of international law or utilizing international treaties in their research.

 

Session topics (the order is tentative)

The concept of treaty. Sources of international law.

The role of consent. Subjects of international law and treaty-making capacity.

Reservations and declarations.

Interpretation of treaties (and other international sources).

Conflicts between treaties. 

Compliance control and enforcement of treaty obligations.

Breach, termination and suspension of a treaty.

Amending a treaty.

Treaty as a living instrument. Treaties and international institutions.

Constitutional law perspectives to international treaties.

 

Course Requirements

All participants are required to study in advance the readings for each session and to engage in the discussion. In the beginning of the course, participants will have the choice between giving one short (15 minutes) presentation in one of the sessions or submitting a “reflection paragraph” prior to six of the sessions.