International Law Prof Blog

Libel Tourism Panel at International Law Weekend (New York)

I am chairing a panel on “Libel Tourism” that will be held next Friday, October 21, 2011 at Fordham University School of Law during the “International Law Weekend.”  The International Law Weekend ("ILW") is an annual conference jointly organized by the American Branch of the International Law Association (AmBranch or ABILA) and the International Law Students Association (ILSA).  Our panel will be one of five concurrent sessions during the time slot from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

Click here for the full International Law Weekend Schedule.

(mew)

US Congress Approves Three Bilateral Free Trade Agreements

The U.S. Congress finally passed three bilateral free trade agreements today with South Korea, Panama and Colombia - one day before a visit by the South Korean President.  The legislation also included a renewal of an aid program, called the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, for workers who have lost their jobs due to outsourcing.  The free trade agreements were originally negotiated by the Bush administration but have been stalled since 2007.  Experts disagree as to the potential impact on the U.S. economy.  While U.S. exports are predicted to increase, some argue that U.S. jobs will be lost to foreign competition.

(cgb)

 

Recognition of the Syrian National Council?

Last week, opposition leaders in Syria announced the formation of a Syrian National Council. Presumably, they hope the SNC will play a role in toppling the regime of Basher al-Assad in Syria and transitioning to a new government similar to the role played by the National Transitional Council of Libya (NTCL). No States have yet recognized the new SNC although reports suggest that opposition leaders are seeking recognition of the international community. Syria has threatened "strict measures" against any State that recognizes the "illegitimate council". Several States and other international organizations, such as the UN General Assembly, were fairly quick to recognize the NTCL. It may be difficult for
international community to justify treating
the SNC differently.

(cgb)

New Books Noted -- The Cambridge Companion to International Law

I am happy to see the James Crawford (University of Cambridge) and Martti Koskenniemi (University of Helsinki) are preparing "The Cambridge Companion to International Law."  Publication is expected in February 2012.  It is expected to come in at 300 pages with a list price of only $45.00.  That's my kind of book.  There is an impressive list of contributing authors as well.

(mew)

International Law Weekend (Next Week in New York)

International Law Weekend 2011 begins on Thursday night, October 20, 2011, at the Association of the  Bar of the City of New York, 42 West 44th Street, NYC, and continues at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 21-22, at Fordham Law School, at 140 West 62nd Street, NYC.

This year's theme is "International Law and National Politics"  A blue ribbon opening panel at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night at the City Bar will address whether international law has seen "The Death of Sovereignty?" in an era of debt downgrades, seccesionist conflicts, and covert military operations -- and will be followed by a free wine and cheese reception.

Panels starting at 9 a.m. on Friday at Fordham will look at International Law and U.S. Grand Strategy, the Extraterritorial Reach of Anti-Bribery Legislation Libel Tourism, the UN Disabilities Convention, Sharia and U.S. Law, Developments in Commercial Arbitration, Access to Justice in the Middle East North Africa Region, Regulation of Private Military and Security Companeis, LGBT Rights in Africa, and the Impact of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty on National Politics.  State Department Legal Adviser Harold Koh will give a keynote talk at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, after a free buffet lunch in the atrium, on "International Lawyering for the U.S. in an Age of Smart Power."

Panels starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday include Civilian Casualties in Modern War, Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights Law - Emerging Risks for Corporate Counsel, Private Litigation against Alleged Terrorist Sponsors, Intellectual Property Law, the New International Investment Arbitration Lawyer, Current Challenges for the International Criminal Court, Tribunal Procedures and Ethical Dilemmas for the Guantanamo Bay Military Tribunals, and Promoting Independence for Human Rights Lawyers Worldwide.   Former Yugoslav Tribunal Prosecutor Richard Goldstone will give a keynote address at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday on "The Future of International Criminal Justice: The Crucial Role of the United States."

Admission is free for all students, all faculty, lawyers, and staff from co-sponsoring institutions, as well as all members of the American Branch of the International Law Association, the International Law Students Association, and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.  Staff members of the United Nations and Permanent Missions to the United Nations can also attend for free.  The registration fee remains a modest $75 for the two days combined for all other practicing lawyers and members of the public.

Hat tip to Ruth Wedgewood

(mew)

ICJ Judge Thomas Buergenthal Speaking in Chicago

The Honorable Thomas Buergenthal, former Judge of the International Court of Justice and former President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, will speak in Chicago next Monday, October 17, 2011 on the subject of "The Lawmaking Role of International Tribunals." 

The event will be held on Monday, October 17, 2011, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.  The program is free and open to the public -- arrive early to get a space.  Register in advance by clicking here.  The event is the Fred Herzog Memorial Lecture Series.

(mew)

International Educational Research Foundation

Click here to learn more about the many resources available to you from the International Educational Research Foundation.

(mew)

More than 1,000 Attendees Expected in Dublin for ABA Section of International Law Meeting

More than one thousand lawyers have already registered for the massive lawyer flash mob that will be more properly known as the Fall Meeting of the American Bar Association Section of International Law.  Section Chair Mike Burke -- whose name is suspiciously Irish -- is quite pleased with the turnout.  We're in Belfast now at pre-meeting ILEX delegation.  The group will today meet the Lord Mayor of Belfast and the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.  Last night there was a splendid reception in the Throne Room of Hillsborough Castle and tonight there's a dinner in the Parliament Buildings. 

(mew)