International Criminal Justice

This course aims to introduce students to the complex nature of international crimes, its perpetrators and the reaction of the international community. This Summer School on International Criminal Justice aims to create a better understanding of the complex nature of international crimes, their perpetrators and the reaction by the international community. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, students examine the juridical and empirical sides of these mass atrocities and by combining theory, interactive discussions and visits to the International Criminal Tribunals in The Hague, students will quickly develop a basic understanding of the most important issues concerning international criminal justice. Together with a group of expert lawyers and criminologists, you explore what 'doing justice' means in practice and identify and discuss the most pressing challenges. Naturally, in doing so you make the most of our location just 30 minutes away from the legal capital of the world, The Hague. Accompanied by experienced professionals, you will visit the most celebrated legal institutions of the world: the International Court of Justice (the Peace Palace), the International Criminal Court, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (if the situation concerning the pandemic allows). 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

- Summarise the central concepts of international criminal justice;
- Critically reflect on the development of international criminal justice;
- Critically reflect on empirical research methodologies;
- Analysis of the shortcomings of international criminal justice;
- Formulate their opinion on different modes of transitional justice and their effects;
- Work in a small group to prepare for a presentation;
- Attractively present the findings of an explorative study.