International Dispute Resolution

The module provides an introduction to different methods of international dispute settlement (mediation, conciliation, inquiry, arbitration and adjudication). It then takes a comparative approach to examining how various international courts and tribunals deal with a range of key procedural issues, including:

(1) jurisdiction and admissibility;

(2) evidence and fact-finding;

(3) incidental proceedings; and

(4) enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

Students will engage with key theoretical and doctrinal debates, such as the benefits and risks of the proliferation of international courts and tribunals, the recent turn towards advisory opinions in international law, and controversies surrounding the role and function of investor-state dispute settlement.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify, explain and critically analyse judicial and non-judicial methods of international dispute resolution
• Understand the fundamental principles and mechanics of resolving a dispute before international courts and tribunals
• Describe and apply relevant rules governing fundamental procedural aspects of international arbitration and adjudication
• Engage with theoretical and doctrinal debates about key aspects of international dispute resolution.

Assessment:

• 2,500-word independent research paper (60%)
• Participation through individual and/or group presentations (10%)
• Assignment in which students (working in small groups) will respond to a hypothetical problem based on issues addressed in the module (30%).

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