• E4J University Module Series: Counter-Terrorism

• Module 4: Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism

• Introduction and learning outcomes

• Key issues

• • Defining terrorism
  • Criminal justice responses
  • Treaty-based crimes of terrorism - universal counter terrorism instruments
  • Core international crimes
  • International courts and tribunals

• Exercises and case studies

• Possible class structure

• Core reading

• Advanced reading

• Student assessment

• Additional teaching tools

• References

 

Published in July 2018.

 

 

  This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Student assessment

 

This section provides suggestions for post-class assignments for the purpose of assessing students' understanding of the Module. Suggestions for pre-class or in-class assignments are provided in the Exercises section.

Assessment questions

• Looking at the different approaches of regional organizations to defining terrorism, explain which approach you believe to be the most reflective of existing international law norms and why.
• Identify and critically assess the impact of the absence of a universal definition of terrorism on international criminal justice cooperation.
• Do you believe that a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism is necessary, e.g., that it will assist in preventing terrorist acts or facilitate bringing suspected terrorists to justice? Discuss with reference to the existing 19 universal anti-terrorism conventions.
• Are there any circumstances in which it is legitimate for the Security Council to override anti-terrorism treaty obligations in the interest of international peace and security?
• Discuss whether or not the inclusion of explicit terrorist offences within the jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals would strengthen international criminal justice efforts.
• Critical evaluate the definition of terrorism used for criminal justice purposes in your country, including its adherence to international due process obligations.
• What do you believe to be the most important elements of terrorism and why?
• Compared with other serious international crimes, what are the distinguishing features of terrorism?
• Critically discuss whether or not the 9/11 terrorist attacks could fall within the scope of constituting a "crime against humanity".

 

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