INTERNATIONAL LAW AND TRANSNATIONAL LEGAL ISSUES

LSLW 577

(Section 01)

Spring 2009

Professor	Time/Location	Office Hours	Contact Information
Jack Baldwin-LeClair	Thursday, 6:30-9:10 PM	by appointment and as	Tel: 973.655.7953
MA, Ed.S, J.D	Dickson Hall Room 333	posted	Law Office:201.213.9600
			Fax: 973.655.7951
			Email:leclairj@chss.montclair.edu

Materials

B:= Blakesley, Firmage, Scott, Williams. The International Legal System, 5th Edition. (New York: Foundation Press, 2001).

BE: Bederman, David J., International Law Frameworks. (New York: Foundation Press, , 2001).

K: Klein, Naomi, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2007).

Grading

Midterm Examination	30%
Final Examination	30%
Classroom Participation	20%
Paper, Homework, and Simulations	20%

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PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE

This course is a survey course. Some prior knowledge is necessary or expected. The purpose of the course is:

1. To explore the origin and history of international law..
2. To acquaint the students with the sources of international legal authority..
3. To understand the principles underlying international natural law and international positive law.

4. To explore interstate issues affecting commerce, human rights, criminal prosecution.

5. To acquaint students with various legal documents which control the substance and procedure of international law.

NOTES

1. Reading assignments must be prepared in advance of the class meeting date.
2. Not all course material is covered in the text. Examinations may include material covered by lecture, class discussion, handouts, demonstrations or lab sessions in addition to assigned readings.
3. There will be no makeup examinations.(1)
4. Class attendance is mandatory and class participation will be rewarded.
5. Recommended reference books and supplemental reading materials will be assigned.
6. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively.
7. DO NOT FAX ASSIGNMENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

This syllabus will change. Keep checking each week for new assignments. Also, materials will be posted on http://montclair.blackboard.com All assigned chapters refer to the text. Specific assignments within the pages assigned may be announced in class. Outside readings may be assigned. All topics will be covered on a flexible schedule depending on the needs of the class, and other factors. Preliminary dates are provided.

WEEK / TOPIC / ASSIGNMENT

PART I - The General Nature of International Law
01.21.09	What is International Law? Introduction and overview of American Law as it relates to international law.	B:12
01.28.09	The multi-national corporation in international context: Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde.	FILM TO BE SHOWN IN CLASS
02.04.09	What d'ya do with a problem like Korea? (Sung to the Sound of Music tune) Introduction to international law and the origin of sovereign state recognition.	B:17, 1.
02.13.09	Structural Issues in International Law; BI-NGO; Non-recognition of states and actors	B:2
02.18.09	Who has the power and where? Issues of Jurisdiction	B:3; BE:16, 17.
02.25.09	Ahoy there. Beam me up Kofi Anan. 20,000 leagues under the L5 zones.	B:4, 5; BE: 11
PART II - Specific Issues that Rock our World
03.04.09	To hug a Banyon Tree.	B:6; BE:12.
03.11.09	Why the U.N. just can't kick butt. Immunities and acts of state doctrine - nationality and allegiance. Is Exxon a citizen?	B:7,8.
03.18.09	MIDTERM BREAK - NO CLASS
03.25.09	MIDTERM EXAMINATION
04.01.09	Why did Dick Cheney oppose the release of Nelson Mandela? The growth of state accountability for human rights violations.	B:9; See Mandela Speaks; - Papers Assigned.;
04.08.09	Continued	K: Read All
04.15.09	Continued
04.22.09	European Union and other legal considerations
04.29.09	Continued
05.03.09	Open //	Presentations?
05.10.09	FINAL EXAMINATION - Example of an old exam.

(1) Make up exams will only be considered in the event of kidnapping, terrorist acts, national emergency, or death (yours)