Outline

Overview

International criminal law (ICL) concerns the prosecution of individuals, mostly military and political leaders, for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. After being first enforced in the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals after World War II, international criminal law has experienced a resurgence in the past thirty years. Today, ICL is a lively and often controversial field. There is major media and scholarly interest in ICL; trials are underway at the International Criminal Court and numerous international and domestic courts; and the rules of ICL are being debated, codified, and progressively developed within United Nations forums. This Unit provides a foundational knowledge of the principles of international criminal law, with reference to both historic and ongoing trials. Students will consider the roles of investigators, prosecutors, victims, lawyers, defence, judges, and States in international criminal justice, and will consider controversies and challenges facing international criminal courts and tribunals today. The elements of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, modes of liability and defences will be covered, with case studies on gender crimes among others. The Unit also considers the interaction between the International Criminal Court, national governments, and the United Nations Security Council.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS1023
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5231
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rosemary Grey, rosemary.grey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam (55%) Problem questions	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Structured participation 'on-call' (15%) Each student will be designated as the ‘on call’ person for 1 or 2 assigned readings.	15%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes during class time	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Online quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Four questions, multiple choice quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test (30%) Test consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.	30%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 10:15	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early feedback task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a 4-question multiple choice quiz. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from weeks 1-2. The task will be available on Canvas from 23 February 2026 and must be completed by 11.59pm Friday 13 March 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Structured participation 'on-call' (15%): Over the course of the Unit, each student will be designated as the ‘on call’ person for 1 or 2 assigned readings, depending on class size. During class time, they will be asked answer 2-3 comprehension questions based on their assigned reading. The questions will test their understanding of the assigned reading. Examples will include:

What is the difference between X legal concept and Y legal concept?

In X case, why did the Court conclude that X was not liable for X crime?

Students will be able to access their notes, textbook, and devices. They will be assessed against a rubric, with marks awarded for the accuracy of their response and also for oral communication skills.

In-semester test (30%): Students will complete 1 hour writing and 15 min reading time mid-semester test on 14 April 2026 at 10:15am (Sydney, Australia Time) consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The test format is designed to accommodate variable class sizes, with the ratio of multiple-choice to short-answer questions adjusted to ensure efficient marking. This assessment evaluates students’ ability to recall and apply ICL concepts and principles. Instructions and details will be provided on the unit Canvas site prior to the assessment. The test supports the development of analytical reasoning and legal problem-solving skills, as described in the unit’s learning outcomes. Open book (any written materials except books borrowed from the Sydney University library, no devices).

Final exam (55%): The final examination is compulsory. Students will complete a 2 hours writing time and 30 min reading time final examination consisting of problem-based questions. Open book (any written materials except books borrowed from the Sydney University library, no devices). The exam will assess students’ ability to apply legal reasoning and problem-solving skills to complex scenarios. A detailed marking rubric will ensure consistent and fair grading, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology may be used to expedite the marking process while retaining original handwritten responses for verification. Instructions and details will be provided on the unit Canvas site. This assessment supports the development of advanced legal analysis, critical thinking, and professional judgment. It will be an on-campus supervised examination during the University's formal exam period. The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. Please note that as the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see Guide to Grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to international criminal law; The International Criminal Court	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	War crimes	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Crimes against humanity	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Genocide	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Aggression; Practice problem question on ICL crimes	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 08	Modes of Liability; Grounds for excluding criminal responsibility	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 10	'Victims' in ICL; Evidence	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 11	Treaty interpretation; Interpretation and translation	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 12	State Co-operation; Reforming International Criminal Law	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 13	Case Study: The ICC's Ongwen case	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbook: Robinson, Vasiliev, van Sliedregt and Oosterveld, An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure: 5th Edition (Cambridge U. Press 2024).

The Learning Guide document which contains the reading list will be available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. analyse key principles of international criminal law (ICL) and apply them to complex scenarios, such as the definitions of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression; the International Criminal Court’s rules on jurisdiction & admissibility; State co-operation with the ICC; victim participation; and modes of liability and defences.
LO2. apply established principles of treaty interpretation to international criminal law conventions.
LO3. compare and assess the respective functions and mandates of the International Criminal Court and other international, national and hybrid courts involved in enforcing international criminal law.
LO4. understand legal questions, and communicate complex legal concepts effectively to professional and lay audiences, in oral form.
LO5. understand legal questions, and demonstrate clear, concise, effective and appropriately referenced communication skills, in written form.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a brand-new unit, and taught for the first time.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS3531: International Criminal Law

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links