The Essay Questions are Posted Approximately One Week Prior to the Examination

PLS 317 International Law
Spring 2011
Midterm Essay Questions

1. Critically respond to the statement "International law is not real law because it is neither created by a central legislative authority nor backed by authoritative coercive sanction, which is the only reason law is obeyed."

2. Compare four major sources of law noting at least (1) nature, (2) problems, (3) how important a source it is, and (4) particular use, if any.

3. Describe the existing systems of law and their interrelationships.  Include both the relationships between international law and the systems of municipal law (e.g., you should cover the various ways international law may be enforced in municipal systems of law) and the relationships between the separate systems of municipal law. Be sure to include both public and private international law into the discussion.

4. Explain the differences in the international legal personalities of states, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs, and individuals.  Note changes in personality (i.e.,  rights, benefits, and capacity to use tribunals) have changed across time.

5. Prepare a lecture for your class on adjudication in international law and permanent international/regional courts noting at least  historical development, jurisdiction, and performance to date.

6. The rise of global human rights is thought by some to be a revolutionary change in international law. Describe the history of global human rights, current status in terms of definition and enforcement, and consequences for both states and individuals.

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