Public International Law (Master Year 1 / Fall)

Originally, the function of public international law was to govern relations between States. Over time, international law has extended its reach. It now regulates various kinds of international relations of public actors (states, international organisations) and private actors (individuals, companies, NGOs, etc.). With the internationalization of economic relations, comes the internationalization of the various legal regimes applicable to these relations. To better apprehend business law today, it is necessary to acquire basic knowledge on public international law.
This course focuses on the fundamentals of public international law with the aim of understanding how public international law is created through its main sources and how it is implemented and applied in practice in a decentralized international legal system. Furthermore, in order to prepare the students to several courses taught in the Master/LL.M, this course also provides a general introduction to international economic law (international trade and investment law).

Session 1. General introduction : what is public international law ?
Session 2. Sources of international law (1/2) : treaties
Session 3. Sources of international law (2/2) : customary law and general principles of law
Session 4. Application of international law in national systems
Session 5. State responsibility
Session 6. International dispute settlement
Session 7. General introduction to international economic law (1/2) : the law of the World Trade Organization
Session 8. General introduction to international economic law (1/2) : international investment law