Summer Law Program on International Criminal Law and International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism

The Summer Law Program is the product of a unique collaboration with the War Crimes Research Office of American University’s Washington College of Law, providing American students the opportunity to study in The Hague. Additional places are available to individuals who would like to join the students from the US in this educational experience.

Program*

International Criminal Law: in Search for Accountability
The first part of the summer program will focus on International Criminal Law. What are international crimes, and how have the definitions of these crimes evolved in the last decades? The role of the International Criminal Court, ad-hoc tribunals and hybrid courts will be analysed, as well as their political and judicial shortcomings. This part of the summer program will also examine the interplay and interdependence between the different international criminal tribunals and national courts that cater to international criminal justice. It will look at the role of states, not only in preventing serious violations, but also in bringing those responsible to justice. Finally, the concepts of amnesties and immunities will be explained and how these could possibly affect prosecution of international crimes.

Topics include among others:

• International crimes: crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes

• Amnesties and immunities

• Role of states in preventing & prosecuting international crimes

• Role of victims

• Domestic, ad hoc and hybrid tribunals

International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism
The second part of the summer program will focus on International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism. Terrorism and the measures that are being adopted to counter terrorism are prominent on the agendas of international organisations, governments and think tanks around the world. The program will look into the definitions of terrorism and counter-terrorism, and the evolution of these concepts since 9/11. The program will also look at how human rights are raised in the context of terrorism, especially in light of the attacks throughout 2016, and the counter-measures that are being adopted. Moreover, the summer program will critically look at how the armed conflict approach deals with terrorism. It will elaborate on how the criminal justice sector tackles terrorism from an international, regional and domestic perspective. The need for cooperation with respect to prevention and suppression of terrorism will also be examined. The summer program will conclude with the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, a growing concern in many countries.

Topics include among others:

• Identification, listing and delisting, asset freezing

• Human rights raised in context of terrorism and counter-terrorism

• Use of force in counter-terrorism: jus ad bellum

• Jus in bello issues in countering terrorism: targeting and detention

• Foreign Terrorist Fighters phenomenon

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• Former Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
• The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)
• The International Criminal Court (ICC)
• The Dutch Court of Appeal
• Eurojust

What will you gain?

• Knowledge of legal and current aspects in international criminal law and countering terrorism;
• A unique experience of studying and exchanging views with students from the US;
• An insight on how international courts and organizations function in practice; and
• Networking opportunities with leading academics and legal professionals.

Who should participate?
(Advanced) students and early-career professionals who are interested in studying international criminal law and/or counter-terrorism.

Application

• To register for the summer programme, please fill out the form at: www.asser.nl/SummerLawProgram2017 

Application for this training is closed. 

Please read the Registration Information & Conditions carefully before registration.

Fee
€ 1400 (full course)
€ 800 (2 week programme)

This fee includes lectures, study materials, study visits, water/tea/coffee, a reception and an opening dinner. 

The fee does not cover (international) travel costs, domestic travel to and from airports, (hotel) accommodation, insurance or other expenses. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut can provide prospective participants with a list of suitable hotels in The Hague.