Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University

Public International Law Course Outline

Part I – General law

Unit 1
1. Importance of International Law
2. Historical Evolution of International Law (different period: ancient, medieval,
modern, post-modern period; different theories/schools: divine law, natural
law, secular law, positive law, universal law, fragmented regimes)
3. Definition of Public International Law and existing critique
4. Distinction between Public and Private International Law (distinction between
general and special laws)

Unit 2
1. Nature and Scope of International Law (Is international law really a law? Is it
proper law? Is it a positive morality? Is it a True law? Is it a weak law?
Whether int’l law is a vanishing point of jurisprudence? Does int’l law
comprise the rules of international comity?)
2. Sources of International Law (Codification of international law)
3. International Law and Municipal Law (monism theory, dualism theory,
specific adoption theory/theory of incorporation, transformation theory,
delegation theory)
4. Subjects of International Law (state and non-state actors includes international
organizations, individuals, corporations, non-governmental organizations)

Unit 3
1. Recognition (different form of state; recognition of states and governments)
2. State succession
3. Jurisdiction
4. Immunity from jurisdiction (privileges and immunities of diplomatic and
consular agents; privileges and immunities International Organizations
officials) (Treaties – how it framed and who frames it, what is the meaning of
convention, treaties, agreement, protocols, signature, ratification, entered into

Public International Law – Dr. P.R. Kalidhass

 Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University

force, enforcement, amendment, alteration, modification, etc. about

multilateral, bilateral, general and special treaties)

Unit 4
1. State responsibility (Nationality including double nationality and statelessness;
Extradition; Asylum; Treatment of aliens; internationally wrongful acts, non-
internationally wrongful acts)
2. International settlement of disputes by peaceful means (diplomatic mode of
settlement: negotiation, mediation, arbitration, conciliation, enquiry, good
offices, etc.; Judicial mode of settlement: courts and tribunals)
3. International settlement of disputes by forceful means (war, enemy character,
laws of warfare, belligerent occupation, war crimes, neutrality, blockade,
contraband, price courts, un-neutral service, right of angary, post iminium,
aggression)
4. International organizations and institutions (International political
organizations: League of Nations, United Nations Organization: GA, SC, ICJ,
ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, Secretariat, etc.; regional political
organizations: NATO, Warsaw Fact, European Security Organization, etc.;
International economic organizations: WTO, Brittan Woods Institutions, etc.;
Regional economic organizations: NAFTA, ECT, MERCOSUR, ASEAN, etc.

Part II – Special Laws

Unit 5
1. International human rights law
2. International humanitarian law
3. International refugee law and law of displaced persons
4. Law of disarmament (comprehensive test ban treaty)

Unit 6
1. International trade law
2. International investment law
3. Global regime on intellectual property rights
4. International developmental law
2

Public International Law – Dr. P.R. Kalidhass

 Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University

Unit 7
1. International environmental law
2. Law of the sea
3. Maritime law
4. International water law

Unit 8
1. Law of outer space
2. Air law
3. Law of diplomacy
4. International administrative law

Books Recommended
1. Oppenheim L. (Jennings and Warts) – International Law
2. Malcolm N. Shaw – International Law
3. Ian Brownlie – Principles of International Law
4. J.G. Stark – International Law
5. H.O. Aggrval – International Law\
6. S.K. Kapoor – International law
7. D.J. Harris – International law case materials

Unit 9
International law on terrorism (international terrorism, aircraft hijacking)
International criminal law (war crimes, crime against humanity, genocide,
International criminal court)
International poverty law (part of developmental law)
International law of disaster management (actually it is a part of environmental law)
International economic law
International law on natural resources

Public International Law – Dr. P.R. Kalidhass

 Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University

Different approaches and perspectives

– Mainstream
– Feminism
– Third world approaches
– Critical legal studies
– New heaven school
– European approach
– American approach
– Asian approach
– African approach
– Latin American

Public International Law – Dr. P.R. Kalidhass