International Law Introduction

Introduction to Personal Rules and Interactions

• Personal rules are often defined by interactions with others.

• Example: "I'm not gonna let somebody disrespect me."

Complexity of Enforcing Personal Rules

• Challenges arise when personal rules conflict with others, especially authority figures like parents.

  • Example: A child may feel disrespected by a parent housing them.

• Options may be limited in enforcing personal rules, leading to frustration.

• Discussion of coping strategies (e.g., isolating oneself from the conflict).

Connection to International Law

• Class discusses the complexities of international law in regard to enforcement.

  • Difficulty in ensuring compliance among countries involves significant challenges.

  • The idea of a global police force raises issues of potential violence and abuse.

• This leads to the question: What is the purpose of international law if enforcement is weak?

Types of Rules

• Three kinds of rules discussed:

  1. Rules we create for ourselves (e.g., diet).

  2. Rules governing interactions with others (e.g., etiquette).

  3. Rules passed down from family, culture, or institutions.

• Example: "Thou shalt not steal"—often derived from multiple influences including family or religion.

Challenging Established Norms

• Personal development often leads to questioning imposed rules (e.g., cultural or familial).

• Reflection on rules one wishes to abide by but finds difficult, indicating complexity in personal adherence.

  • Classroom exercise inviting contributions on desired personal rules, while acknowledging the inherent challenges.

Theory vs. Practice

• Contrasts between theoretical conduct (what rules should be) and practical difficulties in adherence.

  • Example: Desire for morning habits but personal resistance.

Discussion of Institutional Rules

• Focus shifts to Howard University.

• Classroom discussion centered around rules that could enhance student experience, particularly in financial aid.

  • Issue identified: Lack of professionalism in administration, especially financial aid office.

Potential Solutions for Institutional Problems

• Proposed solutions indicate a desire to create enforceable rules with tangible consequences for administrative failure (e.g., reduced pay for timely issues).

• Examination of validity and ethical implications of proposed solutions, including labor laws and contract constraints.

• Define specifics of “lack of professionalism”: Timeliness in responses, clarity in communication, and the necessity for empathy.

Examples of Professionalism in Administrative Contexts

• Discussion on how lack of professionalism manifests in various forms:

  • Not being timely.

  • Poor communication clarity, requiring students to seek multiple clarifications.

  • Recommendations for policy changes that could encourage accountability and professionalism among staff.

Overview of the Course Structure

• Objective: Explore international law through the lens of human rights, global politics, and their historical context.

• Focus on broader concepts before diving into case studies, emphasizing the need for critical thinking regarding legal interpretations.

Understanding the Distinction between Rules and Laws

• The difference between rules and laws discussed:

  1. Rules - Conventional guidelines that may not be enforceable.

  2. Laws - Written agreements that are officially recognized and enforceable.

Domestic vs. International Law

• Domestic law operates at federal, state, and local levels with varying enforcement.

• International law derives from treaties agreed upon by countries, but nations may decline to adhere.

Characteristics of Laws

• Laws regulate behavior:

  • Individual behavior (e.g., seatbelt laws).

  • Community behavior (e.g., public maintenance issues).

• Purpose of laws:

  1. Maintain order.

  2. Protect rights.

  3. Resolve disputes roles of laws & treaties in international contexts.

  4. Promote social justice.

Elements of Law

• Understandings outlined:

  • Laws must be binding, public knowledge, and enforceable:

  1. Binding - Should not be broken.

  2. Public Knowledge - People must be aware of laws to adhere.

  3. Enforceability - Requires a system in place to ensure compliance.

Conclusion and Class Reflection

• Discussion on international law and how it shapes daily realities highlighted, including economic, environmental, and governance implications.

• Encouragement to reflect critically on class concepts leading to a deeper understanding of the law's role in shaping society.