I.

Course Code: LAW 111

II. Course Title: PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW
III. Credit Units: 3

IV. Course Description:

This course provides a closer inquiry into the history of the discipline, the main aspects of its
evolution, its central legal instruments and texts, the main actors and institutions as well as the main
problems that the world faces at the present, such as notably the ongoing fragmentation and weak
enforcement of international law as well as the continuing separation between public and private
international law. The course also ponders on new concepts and approaches, often referred to as
the global governance debate.

V. Course Objectives:
The present part of the introductory course to international law yields a critical analysis of the
area of international law with the view of providing participants with a profound understanding of the
main dynamics influencing the governance of global affairs. It also aims at providing the student with
a good overview and sense of orientation with regard to the most imminent problems and
challenges in Public International Law.
Students successfully completing this course should be able to:
1. Understand and appreciate the nature of the international system, how it is organized and how
it works
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key legal regimes operating in the
international realm
3. Understand how international and foreign law are applicable in Philippine domestic courts
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify various factors and forces that shape the contemporary
international community and how problem-solving contexts are interrelated
5. Apply the knowledge gained from this cause to solve contemporary international problems

VI. Grading System:

Midterm Grade = 40%(Quizzes) + 20%(OTR)+40%(Midterm Exam)
Final Term Grade = 40%(Quizzes) + 20%(OTR)+40%(Final Exam)

Final Grade = 40%(Midterm Grade) + 60%(Final Grade)

where: OTR(Other Requirements)= Assignment, Seatwork, Research Works etc.

VII. Course Content:

Introduction
Nature, Scope & Evolution
Sources of International Law
International Law vs. Municipal Law

Subjects of International Law

States
International Organizations
Insurgents
National Liberation Movements
Individuals

Law of Treaties
Definition
Process of Making Treaties
Amendment/Modification
Termination
Invalidity of Treaties
Succession

Territory in International Law

1
 Modes of Acquisition
Airspace & Outer space
Law of the Sea/UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Jurisdiction in International Law

Principles of Jurisdiction of States
Conflict of Jurisdiction
Extradition
Immunity from Jurisdiction
State Responsibility

United Nations and International Peace

The United Nations & its organs
The International Court of Justice
Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes
International Humanitarian Law (The Law of War)

International Criminal Law

Other International Laws

International Human Rights Law
International Environmental Law
International Economic Law

VIII. References:
1. Defensor-Santiago, M.,Coquia, J. International Law and World Organizations. Quezon City:
Central Book Supply Inc., 2005.
2. Bernas, Joaquin G. Introduction to Public International Law. Quezon City: Rex Printing
Company,Inc., 2009.
3. Agpalo, Ruben E. Public International Law. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, 2006.

Prepared by:

GILBERT R. HUFANA
Professor