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International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 17 hours
  • Course by Universiteit Leiden
  • Offered by

About

‘Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is the second course in Leiden University’s new series on International Law in Action. The first course covered international courts and tribunals in The Hague in general. This second course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague. Atrocities produce unspeakable forms of violence. We will explore whether and how international criminal justice contribute to what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon called the ‘age of accountability’. The theory is, those who commit the worst of human crimes, are held accountable, whether they are rank-and-file foot soldiers or military commanders, whether they are lowly civil servants following orders or top political leaders. We will test how this can be done and if this is realistic. During this course, you will be offered a look into the ‘kitchen’ of the Hague international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn how international criminal justice functions, who the actors are, what outcomes it produces, and how it can be improved. If you want to gain a better understanding of international criminal cases, like the Lubanga case, the ICC’s first ever trial, and the legal legacy of UN international criminal tribunals, then this course is definitely for you! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

Modules

Introduction

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Plugin
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1 Discussions

  • Introduce yourself

2 Videos

  • Trailer & course introduction
  • How to succeed in your online class?

1 Readings

  • Meet the instructor & his team

The International Criminal Justice System: Core Concepts and Foundations

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 3 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Week 1

3 Discussions

  • Did your country ever had to confront international crimes, and if so, how did it respond to them?
  • International criminal justice should primarily target 'big fish', rather than 'small fish'.
  • Do you think anyone can turn into a perpetrator of international crimes?

8 Videos

  • Introduction
  • An Introduction to International Crimes
  • Core Crimes - Genocide
  • The Core Crimes - Crimes Against Humanity
  • Core Crimes - War Crimes
  • Individual Criminal Responsibility
  • Modes of Liability
  • Illustrating the Lubanga Case

1 Readings

  • Required Reading

The International Criminal Justice System: Justice Institutions and Procedures

    • 7 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Week 2

2 Discussions

  • Do you believe in the idea of international criminal courts, or is international criminal justice better done 'at home'?
  • Should there be a zero-tolerance policy regarding amnesties for international crimes?

7 Videos

  • Introduction (Effectiveness, Fairness and Conceptions of Justice)
  • An Introduction to Justice Institutions
  • An Introduction to the Main Actors
  • Hard Choices
  • How Cases Emerge
  • An Introduction to the Justice Process
  • Interview with Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY: Serge Brammertz

1 Readings

  • Required Reading

Trying Perpetrators

    • 7 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Week 3

2 Discussions

  • 'A child soldier is first and foremost a perpetrator, rather than a victim'
  • 'International criminal trials are 'show trials''

7 Videos

  • The Trial
  • The Role of the Judge
  • Defending Suspects and Accused (Part I)
  • Defending Suspects and Accused (Part II)
  • The Role of Victims
  • The Child Soldier Dilemma
  • Interview with Defense Counsel: Karim Khan QC

1 Readings

  • Required Reading

Remedying Wrong and Look to the Future

    • 7 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Week 4
  • Final Exam

1 Discussions

  • 'An acquittal is not necessarily a failure'

7 Videos

  • Judgment (Part I)
  • Judgment (Part II)
  • Punishment
  • Repairing Harm
  • Enhancing Effectiveness
  • Interview with ICC president: Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi
  • Concluding Video

2 Readings

  • Required Reading
  • Recommended Reading

Peer Review

    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • What Can be Done to Make International Criminal Justice More Effective?

Auto Summary

Explore the intricate world of international criminal justice with Leiden University's course on Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes. This insightful program delves into the operations of courts and tribunals in The Hague, examining the accountability of those who commit severe human rights violations. Gain insider knowledge on the actors, outcomes, and improvements in international criminal justice. Ideal for anyone interested in high-profile cases like the Lubanga trial, this free course offers a paid certification option with financial aid available. Join now on Coursera and embark on a foundational journey in personal development.

Carsten Stahn
Instructors

Carsten Stahn

Sergey Vasiliev
Instructors

Sergey Vasiliev