Outline

Overview

International criminal law 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 twenty-five years. Today, trials under international criminal law are underway at the International Criminal Court, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, and the mechanism that is finishing cases that began in the international criminal tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. 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 sexual violence crimes and the use of child soldiers. The unit also considers the interaction between the International Criminal Court, national governments, and the United Nations Security Council. Refer to Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS6896
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rosemary Grey, rosemary.grey@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rosemary Grey, rosemary.grey@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam(60%) Exam consisting of Problem question i.e. applying rules to factual scenario.	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	‘On call’ contributions (20%) “On call” for two assigned reading. 10 marks allocated to each reading. Grade = X/10 + Y/10.	20%	Ongoing	5-10 minutes during class time	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester test (20%) Multiple choice & short answer test (1 hour + 15 mins reading time).	20%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2025 at 14:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Alternative Capstone Essay (60%) Capstone essay	0%	Week 13 Due date: 24 Nov 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 01 Dec 2025	7,000 wds plus 15-20 minute oral assesmt	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

In-semester Test (20%)

The in-semester test will be a secure assessment, consisting of multiple choice & short answer questions. It will take place in week 7 on Wednesday 17 September at 2:00pm. The test will be one hour plus 15 minutes reading time. It will cover topics from weeks 1-6, inclusive. Marked up-textbook plus up to 10 pages of typed notes permitted, no devices. 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.

‘On-call’ contributions (20%)

Over the course of the unit, each student will be designated as the “on call” person for two assigned readings. During class time, students will be asked answer 2-3 comprehension questions based on those assigned readings. There are 10 available marks for each of the two readings, totalling 20 available marks overall. The assignment of weeks will be randomised and changeable only in extenuating circumstances. All readings are of similar equal length and complexity. During their ‘on call’ answers, students will be able to access their notes, textbook, devices. This task will be assessed against a rubric, with marks awarded for the accuracy of the response and oral communication skills including audibility, body language, and structure.

Final Exam (60%)

The final assessment will be a secure exam, consisting of one problem question, which could cover any topic covered in the unit. 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. Instructions and details will be provided on the unit Canvas site. Marked up-textbook plus up to 10 pages of typed notes permitted, no devices.

Students will be marked according to their ability to (a) explain relevant legal rules by reference to a correct legal authority, and (b) apply those rules to the facts. Better responses will identify, and accurately answer, the majority of questions raised on the facts. When citing legal authorities in the exam, a short-form is sufficient. There is no set style. Just be sure to include enough details to allow a reader to identify the relevant sources including pinpoint reference (e.g. page number in book, paragraph in judgment, article in treaty). This assessment supports the development of advanced legal analysis, critical thinking, and professional judgment.

The final exam will be 2 hours (plus 30 minutes of reading time) to be held during the formal exam period for Semester 2 (November 2025). It will be conducted as a supervised in-person exam. The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. Exam information is available at https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html.

Alternative Capstone Essay (60%)

The Capstone Essay will be 7,000 words including footnotes and headings, using the Journal of International Criminal Justice citation style. The question will be provided in Week 1. Students must email the unit coordinator by 9am on the Friday of week 6 (Friday 12 September 2025) to confirm their eligibility to undertake a Capstone Essay and indicate how they intend to personalise the set question. The finished Capstone Essay must be submitted via Canvas by 9am Monday 24 November 2025.

Students who choose the Capstone Essay rather than the secure Final Exam are required to complete a 15-20 minute 'pre-viva' oral task in week 11 or 12. In this oral task, students will respond to the lecturer's questions and defend their arguments in a rigorous academic discussion. This discussion will be in-person with no notes or devices, and will be recorded (audio only) for verification purposes.

No separate mark is assigned to this oral task. It is designed safeguard academic integrity by assessing students’ critical thinking, ability to articulate and justify their research findings, and ability to explain their research process including any use of AI.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will include all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Assessment requirement 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.

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

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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.

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:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, which has not been granted an extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof. For example, a submission after 9am but by 11.59pm on the due date for submission will attract a 10% penalty. A submission after midnight of the due date for submission will attract a 20% penalty. A submission on the following day after midnight will attract a 30% penalty, and so on. Late penalties will be strictly applied subject to a grace period of 15 minutes. The date and time of submission as recorded by Canvas is taken as the official and final record of a student’s submission. Late submissions of online postings will also not be accepted.

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	Online class (2 hr)
Week 01	The development of international criminal law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	The International Criminal Court	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Core crimes under international law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Core crimes under international law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Core crimes under international law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Modes of liability and defences	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	State co-operation with international criminal courts, practice problem question	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Treaty making & interpretation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Evidence and translation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	The Ongwen trial	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Practice problem question; Reforming international criminal law	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Current issues	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All students are required to attend at least 10 of the 12 classes as well as the Week 7 Test to pass 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:

Darryl Robinson, Valerie Oosterveld, Sergey Vasiliev, Elies van Sliedregt (eds), An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure (Cambridge University Press 2024).

Full reading list 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. understand, and be able to explain, relevant rules and principles of international criminal law
LO2. Comprehend, compare, and synthesise primary legal sources, including treaties and judgments, to extract key principles, findings, and arguments
LO3. Communicate complex legal concepts effectively and accurately in oral form across diverse contexts and to diverse audiences.
LO4. Communicate complex legal concepts effectively and accurately in written form across diverse contexts and to diverse audiences.
LO5. Provide accurate legal advice in relation to complex problems in international criminal law by analysing fact patterns, identifying relevant legal issues, applying relevant legal tests, and formulating reasoned conclusions.
LO6. Critique and construct well-reasoned arguments regarding the effectiveness and limitations of international criminal law.

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.

Assessments have been changed

Additional information

Work, health and safety

This unit contains reference to violent material including sexual crimes.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6219: International Criminal Law

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links