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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to International Criminal Law by Case Western Reserve University

4.8
stars
3,985 ratings

About the Course

-- About the Course -- From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. We will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom. -- Course Syllabus -- This course comprises eight units (or "modules"). Each will include an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life. I will also offer video lectures on each of the topics, accompanied by slides. In addition, there will be online role-play exercises and debates, enabling the students to share their own insights. The order of class sessions will be: (1) History: From Nuremberg to The Hague (2) International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture (3) International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy (4) Special modes of liability: command responsibility, co-perpetration, and incitement (5) Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity (6) Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing (7) Pre-Trial Issues: plea bargaining, self-representation, and exclusion of torture evidence (8) Maintaining control of the courtroom -- Recommended Background -- You don’t have to be a lawyer and there are no prerequisites for this course. However, the course will be conducted at the level expected of advanced undergraduate students. Therefore, for all participants, reading and writing comfortably in English at the undergraduate college level is desirable. -- Suggested Readings -- Students should read the assigned online materials for each unit in advance of the class session. In addition, students are invited to subscribe to “War Crimes Prosecution Watch,” a free bi-weekly e-newsletter that summarizes the latest developments in the field of international criminal law. -- Course Format -- This course is made up of eight content units. Each unit is based on an online reading assignment, a video lecture of about one hour in length, and one or more role play exercises to stimulate on-line discussion. The course also offers in-video enrichment quizzes (ungraded) for each unit, a ten question multiple choice midterm diagnostics exam (ungraded), and a ten question True/False Final Exam. -- FAQ-- How will this course be graded? This course is graded on completion. In order to complete the course each student must: (1) finish each module (or “lesson”); (2) write at least one essay response of 200 words or more for at least one simulation throughout the course; and (3) get a score of 6 out of 10 or better on the Final Exam. What resources will I need for this course? For this course, all you need is an Internet connection, and the time to read and discuss the exciting materials available online. What is the coolest thing about this course? The topics we will be discussing are ripped from the headlines. The topics are often controversial and thought-provoking, and always exciting....

Top reviews

FJ

Aug 26, 2023

Professor Michael P. Scharf is an outstanding teacher, and I am happy that I could listen to his lectures and study the materials in this Course on Introduction to International Criminal Law.

EB

Nov 28, 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed this highly informative course - it shed a lot of light on aspects which have puzzled me over the years. Fascinating and very well presented. Thank you.

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476 - 500 of 1,009 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By Asghar m

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May 27, 2022

Vry impressive course and the way of teaching is super.

By Eliedi

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Oct 22, 2020

Very good for developing international law enforcement.

By Jack D

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Mar 10, 2025

A really comprehensive, interesting course. Thank you.

By Andrea S

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Oct 26, 2021

Michael P. Scharf is absolutely amazing. Great course!

By Saleh A

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Sep 7, 2021

Thank you very useful article was on international law

By EBRU K

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Aug 16, 2020

It was a very useful and very enjoyable lesson for me.

By Tanjim R

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May 31, 2020

This was a nice course with great examples. Thank you.

By Abrar S

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May 17, 2020

Awesome course and we have learned

New things about law

By Natalia E

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Feb 26, 2019

Excellent course, very interesting and well designed.

By Miguel B C

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Jun 11, 2018

me gusta solamente que me cuesta traducirlo en español

By Bolaji S A O

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Jan 19, 2023

Fantastic introduction to a fascinating field of law.

By Славко А С

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Jul 21, 2022

Exating course with big amount of case-law materials!

By Bilquees B V

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Sep 11, 2020

One of the most interesting law courses I've studied.

By Juan P C E

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Mar 13, 2016

Excelente curso, muy interesante y muy bien planeado.

By Hugo A D P

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Nov 6, 2020

Gracias, excelente curso, thank you excellent course

By Antonio G

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May 14, 2020

Muito bom , aprender um à mais, do que eu já sabia .

By Katherine O

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Mar 23, 2020

Verdaderamente excelente. Infinitamente recomendado!

By Tahmidur R R

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Feb 26, 2016

Thank you for this magnificently resourceful course!

By Kwasi D

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Nov 4, 2015

Enjoyed the course. Very interesting and insightful.

By Boruleva E D

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Jun 13, 2020

Очень интересный курс! всё разобрано по полочкам!!!

By DR. P C N

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May 26, 2020

Am most delighted to complete this course of study.

By Jacinthe N

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Jun 17, 2018

Great, interesting, engaging and fascinating course

By Maverick A A

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Sep 9, 2015

Best Course and very important to every law student

By Samantha S

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Sep 5, 2015

I like the dynamic teaching style of the professor.

By Lucas L P

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Jul 14, 2022

Curso excelente, muito grato por esse aprendizado.