Welcome to Levitt's International Law Syllabus: Lecture 2

Session 2:

Theme : IS INTERNATIONAL LAW REALLY LAW?

Issues:

a.  Abba Ebban says that "international law is the law which  the wicked  do not obey and the righteous do not enforce." What  does he mean by this?

b.  According to the definition of "law" proposed by the  British legal  philosopher  ,  John Austin, what  characteristics  of  a traditional legal system are absent from the law of nations?

c.  Although there is not an enforcement mechanism in  existence, why do nations follow the rules of international law?

d. What are the steps which law abiding nations can take in order to  compel  a "renegade" nation to stop  violating  international norms?

e. What is the United Nations Security Council and which nations are permanent members on this body?

READING:

1. Brierly,The Law of Nations, "The basis of obligation in modern international  law", pp. 49-56 , found at Page 1 of  the  Reading Handout Booklet.

2.  Von  Glahn,  The  Law of Nations, pp.  1-9.  (on  reserve  at Einstein)

ENHANCEMENT:

1. In Deutsch and Hoffman editors, The Relevance of International Law,  John  H.E. Fried, "International Law-  Neither  Orphan  nor Harlot, Neither Jailer nor Never-Never Land", pp. 124-177. (On Reserve in Einstein Library)

2. Sweeney et. al, The International Legal System  "Perspectives on the Jurisprudential Problems of International Law", pp.  1261- 1293.

3.  Go  to Levitt's International page, choose  United  Nations Homepage, then choose the link, "About the UN". On that link, you will find information:

4. Review Brownley reading from Session 1

5. Review Brierly reading from Session 1

6. Shaw, International Law, pp. 1 to 58


International Law Page

International Law Syllabus




Comments to: Stephen Ross Levitt
Updated: February 1999
Copyright Stephen Ross Levitt and Liberal Arts Department