Georgetown Journal of International Law Online: Stephen Kozey

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By Stephen Kozey

Although international criminal law (ICL) has its roots in the 1500s or earlier, the normative development of this body of law only really picked up within the past century or so. Even though some aspects of ICL remain uncertain, its recent development has been fairly swift and robust. Thus, ICL doctrines are fully capable of reasoned application today to hold individuals responsible for international crimes they commit, such as war crimes and gross violations of international human rights.

Unfortunately, as Jack Donnelly points out, it seems that the procedural mechanisms for enforcing ICL do not deserve such kudos. The two principal avenues for prosecuting alleged international criminals – international tribunals and domestic courts – are simply not up to the task. Their inadequacy is evidenced, for example, by the fact that U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon still has to plead for protection of human rights and an end to mass atrocities.

International criminal tribunals are not effective mechanisms because they tend to be expensive and overburdened, and proceedings often take many years to start and many more years to conclude. The title of a recent Forbes article on the ICC says it all: “International Criminal Court: 12 Years, $1 Billion, 2 Convictions.”

April 18, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

Admittedly, administrative law is not always the most enthralling topic, but add some international spice and voilà! Indeed, international administrative law is an emerging field with plenty of uncharted territory to talk about, and that’s just what a distinguished group of judges, lawyers and academics plan to do on Friday, April 4, at the IMF Headquarters.

Click here to find out more.

March 30, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

The ongoing negotiation of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) by the United States and European Union is among the most important happenings in international trade and investment today. Recently, the parties came together in Brussels for the first substantial round of negotiations. Now, several members of the U.S. delegation are coming to George Washington University on Monday, March 24 for a panel discussion on these important developments.

If you’re on the fence about attending, perhaps the free admission and refreshments will sway you.

March 22, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

If you are interested in a career in international arbitration, you won’t want to miss an upcoming panel discussion on Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m.

The panel will include experts from the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Legal Adviser. The panelists will be discussing their experiences and providing useful professional development advice for the next generation of international arbitration lawyers.

March 16, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

Most people have probably never considered the role that gender plays in international law. But it seems like an important question in a world that is becoming more gender-conscious as new views of gender are emerging.

If you’re as intrigued by the idea as I am, check out the event happening on March 11 at 5:30 p.m.. Three speakers will tackle some interesting questions regarding the role of gender in international law.

March 02, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

Despite best intentions and efforts, the United Nations can never hope to completely prevent misconduct by its Peacekeepers. What, then, should the remedy be for those who suffer harm as a result of Peacekeeper’s misconduct?

It’s an important issue given the widespread presence of U.N. Peacekeepers around the world, and one that will be discussed by three highly qualified panelists at the ASIL panel on February 26 at 12 p.m.. Visit here for more information on the topic, panelists, and location.

February 24, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

It’s time for the fourth annual “Live from L” panel, to be held on Thursday, February 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at George Washington Law. Come out to hear what some of the most distinguished members of the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Legal Adviser (a.k.a. "L") have been up to lately and what they’re expecting for the future.

The topics haven’t been announced yet, but click here for the topics from last year (Hint: they were all awesome).

Oh yeah, and it’s FREE for law students. $15 for everyone else.

February 09, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

With the explosion of human rights law over the better part of the last century, it was almost inevitable that private businesses would eventually have a role to play in this burgeoning area of law. Indeed, the United Nations’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, released in 2011, confirm that the trend is picking up.

If you want to catch up or stay up to speed on this increasingly important issue, check out the Business and Human Rights presentation at the American University Washington College of Law on Thursday, February 6, at noon.

February 02, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

If you are considering putting your degree to work at an international organization, don’t miss the ASIL’s New Professional Interest Group panel presentation this Wednesday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m.

The panelists include four veterans who have worked at the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization of American States, and other international organizations. They will be sharing their experiences and taking questions from the audience.

And if you can’t make it in person, you can watch the live stream here.

January 27, 2014

By Stephen Kozey

It’s a topic that often flies under the radar, but ensuring legal compliance throughout international supply chains without disrupting business operations is critical. Achieving that balance can be an extremely delicate and complicated task, and mistakes are costly. For some practical advice on how to avoid making such mistakes yourself, head to Alston & Bird’s D.C. office on Thursday, December 5, for a brown-bag lunch panel on supply chain issues in international procurement.

December 03, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Everyone knows that China has become one of the most important economies in the world, and it plans to keep things that way. But how? On Wednesday, you can find some answers to that question at ASIL’s full-day presentation, featuring top Chinese government officials. The Assistant Minister of Commerce and his team will speak about China’s plan to stay on top, including discussion of clean and renewable energy laws and their affect on entrepreneurship in China.

December 03, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Come grapple with the beast that is the WTO regime at Georgetown Law’s 8th Annual Academy of WTO Law and Policy.

Beginning this year on November 18, the Academy is a week-long professional development program on the major aspects of WTO law and policy. Participants will have an opportunity to hear from experts in international trade law, many of whom have participated in negotiations of some of the WTO Agreements, in an intimate seminar-style environment. But hurry! Space is limited. Click here for registration and other information.

November 08, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Undoubtedly one of the hottest topics in international law right now is drone warfare, and the peace group CODEPINK is ready to bring you two full days of discussion on the issues surrounding the use (and misuse) of drones. Their 2013 Drone Summit will feature numerous notable speakers, including Cornel West, and film screenings throughout the weekend. In addition to question of international law posed by the use of drones, the Summit will include discussion of their use inside U.S. borders.

Georgetown Law will be hosting the event on Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, in Hart Auditorium.

November 06, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Brace yourself for what is guaranteed to be an exciting panel discussion relating to the recent court-martial of Army Staff Sgt. Bales, who was sentenced to life without parole for the killing of 16 Afghan civilians. Panelists, including lead prosecutor Lt. Col. Jay Morse, will discuss difficulties in investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in a war zone, the relationship between U.S. military justice and international criminal law, and perceptions of accountability and justice across cultures.

So, clear your schedule on Tuesday, November 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and head to ASIL at 2223 Massachusetts Ave NW.

November 05, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Given how important payment systems are to the smooth functioning of the global economy, it is no wonder that they are so heavily regulated. And of course, where there is regulation there is litigation.

For the latest legal developments in this area, consider attending the first part of the ABA’s series, “Issues Around the Globe Involving Payment Systems,” at noon on Tuesday, October 22.

October 17, 2013

A child at his bombed out family home in Syria. FreedomHouse.

By Stephen Kozey

A year ago, President Obama said that if the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own people, it would cross a “red line.” That red line has been crossed, with recent reports confirming the use of sarin nerve agent and estimating between 300 and 1,300 casualties, including women and children. The U.N. Security Council has responded to the situation by adopting Resolution 2118. This resolution strongly condemns the chemical attack and requires Syria to forfeit and destroy its chemical weapons stockpile, as well as its means of production and delivery of chemical weapons.

International law prohibits the use of chemical weapons, but doesn’t permit military intervention in another country on that basis alone. Military intervention in another country is justified only in the case of self defense or when there is a U.N. Security Council Resolution authorizing the intervention. The conflict in Syria, however, has remained an internal one and has not yet posed a substantial security threat to neighboring countries. Moreover, Russia and China have consistently vetoed any resolution even hinting at the possibility of intervention. It does not appear that the use of chemical weapons has caused these veto-wielders to change their view, so there is little chance of a legally justifiable intervention as things stand today.

But is the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons the only legal argument that the pro-intervention members of the U.N. Security Council (namely France, the United Kingdom, and the United States) can use to try to sway Russia and China? What about Responsibility to Protect (R2P) as adopted in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document?

October 16, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

Naturally, anything with “White House” in the name has to be interesting, and the White House Fellows Program (WHFP) is no exception. For almost 50 years, the WHFP has been bringing the most talented future leaders into the inner circles of Executive Branch officials to work on and study U.S. policy in action, both nationally and internationally.

To learn more, head over to ASIL Headquarters at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15 for a presentation by Ziad Haider, a recent White House Fellow with tons of other great international legal experience.

October 10, 2013

By Stephen Kozey

In a world where the majority of business transactions are digital, it makes sense that trade in services would join the club. Surely greater access to markets is good for business, but is the law, and international law in particular, prepared to deal with the inevitable issues of privacy, security, and digital piracy? If you want to find out more about the impact of digital trade on business, entrepreneurs, and consumers, check out the ASIL’s panel discussion, “Traveling the Electronic Silk Road,” at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7.

As a bonus, you can preview panelist Anupam Chander’s new book, “The Electronic Silk Road,” for a taste of what’s to come on Monday.

October 03, 2013

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