This course is aimed at an improved understanding of the relationship between peace, justice, and human rights in an international perspective by addressing the legal obstacles and ethical dilemmas faced by the international community in pursuing these different but reciprocally
connected goals. It addresses the maintenance of peace and security both between and within states; the fight against impunity for international crimes such as genocide and war crimes; and the protection of human rights such as the right to life, the right not to be tortured, and the right to personal freedom in the context of different types of conflicts (including the “war on terror”). Specific issues explored during the course include the extraterritorial jurisdiction of states, international criminal tribunals, immunities from jurisdiction, different approaches to the fight against terrorism, and different models of post-conflict transitional justice.

This course is premised on the idea that the ownership of private property should promote human flourishing and constitutional ideals. The course will examine three aspects of property rights: First, the capacity of owners to dispose of their property as aided by law and legal structures. This involves a comparison between the common law and civil law systems. Second, the course will explore selected topics involved in international real estate transactions, with attention to legal, business/economic, and social issues involved in global property development and ownership. The third part of the course will focus on indigenous claims to land and property.