SELECT COURSES AND SEMINARS
Treaties and Responsibility: Selected Topics in the Current Work of the U. N. Intl Law Commission
In 2008, the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) will celebrate its 60th anniversary. This seminar examined the role of this institution in the codification and progressive development of international law.The first part of the seminar introduced students to the mandate, structure and working methods of the ILC. Through an analysis of the two principal achievements of the Commission in the fields of treaty law (Vienna Convention of the Law of Treaties) and responsibility (Articles on State Responsibility), students were invited to discuss the difficulties involved in the process of codification and the latter’s interaction with State practice and judicial decisions (including judgments of the International Court of Justice).
The second part of the seminar focused on the topics currently under consideration by the ILC. Students familiarized themselves with the main legal issues involved in each topic (covering a wide range of fields of international law) and debate on the challenges faced by the Commission. Each topic was examined in view of determining what could be the value-added of a codification by the ILC and the expected outcomes of its work.
The overall objective of the seminar was to reflect on law-making and the impact of the work of the ILC in contemporary international law, with the underlying question whether the ILC is becoming a de facto law-maker at the international level.
Location and Meeting Information
The seminar was held in the Spring, 2008 semester. Instructor: Professor Santiago Villalpando.
