Globalisation and Law

In the present era of globalisation we are witnessing the collapse of national barriers in the face of the international movement of capital, workers, commodities, ideas and communications of every kind. The ending of the Cold War, the increasing power of international corporations, the development of information technology and the expansion of air travel have had a huge impact in changing global culture and on our understanding of law. The traditional models of nation states and international law have given way to challenges to the concept of sovereignty, the development of international human rights tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court, the extension of new international legal rights and duties to non-state actors and the development of new models of global administrative regulation.

This module seeks to examine these developments in order to gain new insights into the nature and purpose of law. It analyses how globalisation has changed traditional approaches to public and private international law, human rights law, international trade law, freedom of expression (in relation to such matters as defamation, pornography and incitement to hatred), political dissent, terrorism and cultural and religious diversity. It addresses contemporary controversies relating to tariffs and international trade.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Assess the effects of globalisation on traditional approaches to law at the national and international levels
• Critically analyse the impact of globalisation of the categorisation of public and private law and of the interrelationship between constitutional and administrative law, international human rights norms, civil law and criminal justice
• Locate key legislative and judicial texts
• Debate current issues relating to such matters as the impact of globalisation on cultural and religious diversity, the responsibilities of transnational corporations and controls on the Internet.

Assessment: 

• Take-home Examination (100%)

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