Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-law-in-action-2
Leiden University’s ‘International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ on Coursera offers a compelling and insightful journey into the complex world of international criminal justice. Building upon their previous course on international courts and tribunals, this second installment provides an invaluable ‘insider’ perspective, demystifying the intricate processes involved in investigating and prosecuting some of the most heinous crimes known to humanity.
From the outset, the course welcomes learners with a clear introduction, setting the stage for a successful online learning experience. The syllabus is thoughtfully structured, guiding participants through the core concepts and foundations of the international criminal justice system. The initial module delves into the definitions of international crimes – genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes – and explores the foundations of criminal liability. The inclusion of the Lubanga case as a practical example effectively illustrates these foundational principles and the challenges faced by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The second module shifts focus to the justice institutions and procedures, detailing how major international criminal cases originate and the roles of various actors, from prosecutors to legal and political stakeholders. This section is crucial for understanding the practicalities and strategic considerations that shape these high-stakes proceedings.
Week three, ‘Trying Perpetrators,’ provides a granular look at the criminal process itself. It examines the unfolding of a trial, offering perspectives from the defense, victims, and judges. The discussion on child soldiers, both as victims and perpetrators, and their experiences in ICC cases like Lubanga and Ongwen, is particularly poignant and highlights the human element within these legal frameworks.
The final module, ‘Remedying Wrong and Look to the Future,’ addresses the critical aspect of reparations and explores avenues for improving the international criminal justice system. This forward-looking approach empowers learners to not only understand the current landscape but also to contemplate future enhancements.
Overall, ‘International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is an exceptionally well-designed course. It strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making complex legal concepts accessible. The insider perspective provided by Leiden University is a significant draw, offering a unique understanding of the challenges and triumphs within international criminal courts. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in international law, human rights, criminal justice, or those seeking to understand how the world holds perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-law-in-action-2