LAW5414 Public international law
Faculty of Law
LAW5414 Public international law is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Law. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before LAW5414
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After LAW5414
No unit lists LAW5414 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
For Juris Doctor students (L6005), you must have completed 72 credit points of study.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
Topics addressed include:
- theories, history, politics and practice of public international law;
- the sources of public international law;
- the relationship between international and national law;
- the role of the different subjects of public international law;
- the system of Statehood and territorial sovereignty;
- jurisdiction, privileges and immunity in public international law;
- the responsibility of States for internationally wrongful acts;
- the use of force by States and self-defence;
- international dispute resolution and the pacific settlement of disputes;
- key areas of the practice of public international law, and
- some of the challenges and future developments in public international law.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for LAW5414.
Assessment
- Take home examExamination40%
- Research assignmentWritten60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Critically examine the fundamental principles of international law; the theoretical framework of international law and its relationship with domestic law; the crucial role of States, international institutions and individuals in the international legal system;
- 2
Analyse and interpret international law, taking into account the complexities involved in interpreting and applying its sources; and the political context and nature of international law;
- 3
Compare and contrast some of the different areas of international law; how Australia interprets and applies international law in relation to its own legal framework; the use of force and self-defence in international law; and international dispute resolution; and
- 4
Communicate effectively, appropriately and persuasively on issues pertaining to International Law
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.
Learning resources
Required resources
See the Moodle unit page for prescribed and recommended resources. Prescribed texts are usually available for purchase through the University Bookstore and are sometimes available for short-term loan or as eBooks through the library.
Where it fits
LAW5414 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for LAW5414?
LAW5414 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is LAW5414 offered?
LAW5414 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
Does LAW5414 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include LAW5414?
LAW5414 is part of Global society and human rights; and Public sector governance and regulation.