Oxford University Press International Law: Cases and Materials

International Law Cases and Materials fills the gap in current international law casebooks by introducing students to all relevant international materials together with materials most relevant to Australian international lawyers. While international in scope, the text provides a sustained focus on Australias place in the international community and Australian perspectives on international legal affairs. Relevant Asian regional perspectives and approaches are also canvassed. The book begins with an introduction to the basic legal concepts and actors in the international legal system. These include international institutions, the criteria for statehood, the principles concerning acquisition of state territory, and the impact of recognition of states and governments. The sources of international law are discussed as these form the basis from which the rules and principles of international law are drawn, as are the rules of state responsibility pursuant to which violations of international law are attributed to states. Two further areas - the law of treaties and the relationship between international and domestic law - are then examined in separate chapters. Finally, several substantive areas of law, namely the use of force, international environmental law, the protection of human rights, the law of the sea and international trade law are explored. This book takes a more integrated approach to international law than other texts. The authors have taken the best from both international and Australian writings to complement the primary materials that are included in the text. The extensive use of contextual material and clear and concise commentary, linked together by critical analysis, case studies, notes and problems, provokes thought and discussion and provides a solid basis for an understanding of international law.