This course provides an introduction to a number of important and topical issues in international law and comparative constitutional law, through the thematic lens of law in relation to states undergoing transition.In this course, we consider the legal issues faced by states undergoing transition from conflict to peace (following international or internal armed conflict), following change of regime, at the end of occupation, or at the time of secession or creation of a new state.

    The course covers four main areas:

    • international law issues at the time of transition (including the end of hostilities, rules around occupation, the creation of states, and the role played by international law and international actors generally)
    • constitutional issues at the time of transition (including decisions about constitutional drafting processes and constitutional models)
    • constitutional issues during transition, including the role of courts in mediating constitutional decisions and applying new human rights provisions
    • efforts to reckon with past wrongs through international and domestic law (including international criminal law mechanisms, amnesty processes, and other issues in transitional justice). 

    Dr Caitlin GossDr Caitlin Goss

    Dr Caitlin Goss is a Lecturer at the TC Beirne School of Law, teaching in the Law of Evidence, Constitutional Law, and Public International Law. Dr Goss obtained her DPhil in comparative constitutional law at the University of Oxford, where she previously read for a Bachelor of Civil Law and an MPhil in Law. Her postgraduate study has been funded by a Rhodes Scholarship, and a Commemorative Fellowship from the Australian Federation of University Women- Queensland.

    Course information

    Course code
    LAWS7715

    Course profile