SOLM342 Contemporary Genocide

Module description

This module is about the crime of genocide and it explores the definition and nature of the crime in criminological, legal and political discourse. The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the nature and the scale of genocides facing populations today. There will also be an exploration of resistance tactics, from law-fare to civil society censure of genocide. Consisting of lectures, seminars and film, the following list is indicative (but not exhaustive) of the subjects that will be covered: Introduction to Genocide: Legal Definitions and Historical Evolution; Definition of genocide under international law (1948 Genocide Convention) and in Criminology; The establishment of ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR); The challenges of prosecuting heads of state for genocide; The Role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ); and Genocide Prevention. The course will also, from time to time, feature visiting leading scholars, and representatives from key NGOs.

Applicable groupings

• Criminal Justice LLM
• Public International Law LLM
• Human Rights LLM
• Laws LLM

Credits

15