Law of Armed Conflict
This course will focus on selected topics in the law of war (or international humanitarian law). This body of law centres on the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977. We will examine issues such as the definition of armed conflict, the doctrine of military necessity, the significance of prisoner of war status, the relationship between international humanitarian law and human rights standards, and issues concerning implementation and enforcement.
The course will consider the challenges posed to international humanitarian law by the changing character of armed conflict, the fragmentation of international law, and the evolving character of international relations. We will consider historical and current case studies to examine how humanitarian rules operate in practice.
The law of armed conflict (LOAC), also referred to as international humanitarian law or the law of war, is the branch of international law that regulates conduct during armed conflict. LOAC seeks to restrict the use of violence to what is necessary to attain legitimate military ends and to protect from harm persons and objects not involved in the hostilities. This course seeks to place LOAC within the framework of international law by showing its relationship to other areas of that law, principally the rules prohibiting the resort to force in international relations, as well as other rules that deal with the protection of the individual, such as human rights law.
What you will learn
The course will cover the key principles and rules governing the conduct of hostilities, including targeting decisions and the choice of weapons, means and methods of warfare. It will also address the principles and rules relating to the protection of particular categories of individuals and objects. The course will conclude with an examination of the various means of ensuring compliance with LOAC, including a brief overview the general principles of international criminal law.
Topics covered
- definition of armed conflict
- the doctrine of military necessity
- the significance of prisoner of war status
- the relationship between international humanitarian law
- human rights standards, and issues concerning implementation and enforcement
Who is the course designed for
Our CPD courses are available to professionals interested in contemporary legal issues.
Whether you're looking to acquire CPD points, expand your knowledge in a specific area of the law, or gain a general understanding of legal issues impacting your profession, our courses will equip you to go further in every possible future.
Style of learning
Our CPD participants benefit from small class sizes which encourage group discussion and debate, and 1-on-1 access to industry experts and leading researchers.
Location
This course is delivered at UQ St Lucia campus.
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Enrolment options
Registration for this course in semester 1, 2024 has closed.
Enrol as a part of a Masters degree program
This course is part of the Masters of Laws postgraduate program.
CPD enrolment closes two weeks prior to the course start date.
No entry requirements apply, you are not required to submit assessment and your course participation cannot be used as academic credit towards a degree qualification.
Our courses count toward Queensland Law Society Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points if you can demonstrate relevance to your legal practice.
