Back to International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague
Universiteit Leiden

International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of dispute settlement, such as negotiation and mediation. It offers a brief historical overview and introduces the judicial and arbitral bodies based in The Hague. In the remaining modules you will learn about the functions of these courts and tribunals, and some of the challenges and prospects that they face. Three cross-cutting themes tie together all of these modules: (i) The interaction between law and politics; (ii) The continuing role of State consent; and (iii) The ability of international courts and tribunals to protect the public interest and global values. This course offers you an opportunity to gain a better insight into the functions and features of the courts and tribunals present in The Hague. You will gain a familiarity with each court or tribunal. You will develop realistic expectations of their capacity to address contemporary problems and an awareness of their limitations. You will also be able to discuss some of their most prominent cases. If you would like to have a better understanding of international law in action in The Hague, this is definitely the course for you! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera

Status: Mediation
Status: Case Studies
Course17 hours

Featured reviews

SR

5.0Reviewed Jan 4, 2017

The course was extremely informative with a holistic perspective on the functioning of various international courts as well as special courts addressing international law issues.

AR

4.0Reviewed May 21, 2016

Excellent introduction to the International courts system. More details on Investor-State Arbitration or perhaps a course exclusively on the topic would be great!

HB

5.0Reviewed Feb 18, 2016

I think this course will be an added value to any one has interest to understand the IL principles with more focus in the Hague.

MV

5.0Reviewed Apr 29, 2019

It was good overview course about three main international courts in The Hague. The lectures were good structured and clear. Interviews were impressed and made international court practices "real".

MR

5.0Reviewed Nov 2, 2016

Excellent videos and reference material. Discussion threads disappointing. Not very much reply to discussion. never mind! Thank you !!!

AG

5.0Reviewed Nov 17, 2021

Excellent course. The material is well presented and explained. The course helps to structure known information and learn new information, which supports further research on the topics discussed.

YB

5.0Reviewed Dec 13, 2018

I loved the course material, it was very informative and my understanding of International Courts and Tribunals has definitely increased

SD

5.0Reviewed Jun 28, 2025

IT IS TIME FOR THE ICC ISM IHL AND SO ON TO SET A ONE PROTECTIVE PERSON ON SITE TO STOP AND DIS ARM A REBEL STATE SEEKING HELP BUT NOT US AT ALL. SORRY , NO OFFENCE.

ML

5.0Reviewed Jun 15, 2020

This course was extremely good. Course materials were very clear and concise, videos and interviews very helpful and informative. I'm very satisfied and thank you for all your contriboution!!

AM

5.0Reviewed Jan 27, 2017

I loved this course. Videos are very clear and well structured that for me (with non-law degree) was very easy to follow and systemize my knowledge. Thank you very much.

TC

4.0Reviewed Apr 27, 2025

This was an extremely insightful course that I have undertaken so far. Interviews of officials closely associated with the International justice system were eye-opening.

ND

4.0Reviewed Feb 12, 2018

The course was very informative, with repeating themes that embedded the information into my memory. Would recommend if you have an interest for the topic.

All reviews

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