Origins and Evolution of Modern Justice and Human Rights

This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the philosophical roots, institutions, frameworks, and challenges of international justice. It starts by highlighting Hugo Grotius's views on the proper conduct of international relations regarding his understanding of natural law and just war. These views continue to influence international human rights and humanitarian law today, shaping ideas about when and how states can justify going to war.

The course then discusses the work of David Hume, the Scottish philosopher. Section III, Of Justice, explains his concept of justice in society and how it might change depending on the circumstances. In this, SeSectionhe argues that justice results from utility. Next, you will learn about the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the primary judicial body of the United Nations, and its contribution to global justice and the protection of human rights.

Also, you will understand the International Criminal Court (ICC) activities and the jurisdiction. The Rome Statute, an international agreement that created the International Criminal Court, the kinds of crimes that could be brought to the court and the process for trying a case in the ICC will be comprehended. The final section explains one of the main obstacles to the legitimacy of the ICC - its perception of bias.