The International Law Clinical Program gives students interested in International Law an experience of the practical application of International Law.
The International Law Clinical Program applies students' knowledge of international law and drafting and research skills to contemporary international law projects.
The main focus of the Clinical Program is responding to projects initiated by the Convenor and students working collaboratively.
The Clinical Program aims to project the knowledge and skills of the ANU College of Law generally and in International Law in particular, and to enhance appreciation of International Law among influential Australian Government and NGO communities.
Students must apply to undertake this course. Please go to Law Professional Experience for application information.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically analyse and interpret the concepts of international law through their application to domestic policy objectives,
- Synthesise and apply a range of strategies integrating diverse perspectives to support the delivery of successful project outcomes,
- Reflect on their independent and collaborative learning experiences to develop their personal, professional and ethical capabilities,
- Communicate the practical relevance of international law in a range of oral and written formats to a variety of audiences,
- Evaluate the practical demands of policy making in a broader social context, taking into account the complexities of international law,
- Plan and execute a substantive written research project, independently and collaboratively as required, addressing a complex international law problem.
Research-Led Teaching
This course will be framed around the international law research expertise and particular research interests of the course convenor. In addition to focusing on general international law in a clinical setting, other areas of international law that will be considered include the relationship between international law and Australian law, international refugee law's adaption and application in the context of large movements of people, small island states and climate change, the Israel/Hamas conflict and the obligations on third parties, and current matters before international courts and tribunals.
Required Resources
There is no prescribed textbook for this course. A full list of relevant readings will also be made available on the course Wattle site two weeks prior to the course commencement date.
Recommended Resources
- Rothwell, Donald et al, International Law: Cases and Materials with Australian Perspectives (Cambridge University Press, 3rd ed, 2018)
- Rothwell, Donald and Emily Crawford (eds), International Law in Australia (Thomson Reuters, 3rd ed, 2017)
- Crawford, James, Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law (Oxford University Press, 9th ed, 2019)
- United Nations Legislative Series, Materials on the Responsibility of State for Internationally Wrongful Acts (United Nations Publication, 2nd ed, 2023, ST/LEG/SER.B/25/Rev.1)
- Olivier Corten and Pierre Klein (eds), The Vienna Conventions on the Law of Treaties: A Commentary (Oxford University Press, 2011)
- Usha Natarajan, John Reynolds, Amar Bhatia and Sujith Xavier (eds), Third World Approaches to International Law: On Praxis and the Intellectual (Routledge, 2018)
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).
Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties
Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application
Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations
Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties
Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading
Further information about the course: is available from the course Wattle page. Students are required to access the Wattle site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.
The following resources may also be useful:
• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.
• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.
• The ANU College of Law Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction + Discussion of Clinic Projects | Commencement of Clinic Reflections |
| 2 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Practitioner Presentations | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 3 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Practitioner Presentations | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 4 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Practitioner Presentations | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 5 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Practitioner Presentations | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 6 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Clinic Project Presentations | Task 1: Draft Clinic Project Outline + Task 4 Draft Clinic Project Presentation |
| 7 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Team Project Development | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 8 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Team Project Development | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 9 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Team Project Development | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 10 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Team Project Development | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 11 | Discussion of Clinical Projects + Team Project Development | Ongoing Clinic Reflections |
| 12 | Review of Clinical Tasks + Clinic Achievements + Future Clinic Projects | Task 2: Clinic Reflections Journal |
Tutorial Registration
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 0 % | * | * | 1,2,4,5,6 |
| Research Proposal | 20 % | 16/04/2025 | 24/04/2025 | 1,2,4,5,6 |
| Reflection Piece | 10 % | 22/05/2025 | 29/05/2025 | 3 |
| Law Reform Submission | 70 % | 03/05/2025 | * | 1,2,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Extenuating Circumstances Application
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Students are expected to attend all scheduled weekly clinic during Weeks 1-12 classes.
Attendance and participation are compulsory. Students must abide by the Student Expectations and Clinic Requirements.
Examination(s)
There is no final examination for this course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Oral Presentation
Details of Task: Students are to either individually or with a partner student give a presentation on their clinic project by way of a mid-course update giving details on the nature of the project, why the project was selected, research strategies, and the project direction for Weeks 7-12.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 0%
Duration: 15 minutes
Due Date: Week 6. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.
Estimated Return Date: Feedback provided in Week 6.
Assessment Criteria:
- Quality of the details on the nature of the project,
- Quality of reasons why the project was selected
- Quality of choice and justification of research strategies
- Evidence of strong project direction for Weeks 7-12
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Research Proposal
Details of Task: Students are to complete a Draft Clinic Project Outline which will provide details on the clinic project that has been selected, how the project is being investigated, and the research/advocacy projection anticipated for the project.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 20%
Word Limit: 1,000 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.
Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.
Due Date: 5pm, Wednesday 16 April 2025. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.
Estimated Return Date: 24 April 2025.
Assessment Criteria: An assessment rubric will be available in Wattle.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 3
Reflection Piece
Details of Task: Students are to prepare a journal that reflects on their experience throughout the clinic and their learning about international law in the clinical setting.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 10%
Word Limit: 600 words. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.
Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.
Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 22 May 2025. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.
Estimated Return Date: 29 May 2025.
Assessment Criteria: An assessment rubric will be available in Wattle.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Law Reform Submission
Details of Task: The Clinic Project will comprise a written form of assessment based on the project chosen by the student and developed individually or in partnership with another student. The Clinic Project could take the final form of either:1) a submission to a Parliamentary inquiry; 2) a legal memorandum/advice on a legal problem/issue area; 3) a legal advocacy brief for action on a particular issue area; 4) draft pleadings before an International Court or Tribunal; 5) a research brief exploring legal options in a contentious area of international law.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 70%
Word Limit: 4,000 words (or 8,000 words if working with another student). The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.
Submission Requirements: Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.
Referencing: Referencing requirements will depend on the chosen form of the final piece, and should be discussed with the course convener.
Due Date: 5pm, Tuesday 3 June 2025. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.
Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date.
Assessment Criteria: An assessment rubric will be available in Wattle.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Returning Assignments
All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Resubmission is not guaranteed. Please ensure that you have reviewed your submission carefully before you submit.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students
Convener
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AsPr Imogen Saunders
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