"Textbook for school students enrolled in International Law courses"--

This new edition provides a critical introduction to the concepts, principles and rules of international law through a consideration of contemporary international events. It examines both the possibilities and limitations of the legal method in resolving international disputes, and notes the actual effects of international law upon international disagreements. Such an approach remains sceptical rather than cynical, and is intended to provide the means by which the role of international law may be evaluated. This entails discussion of the legal quality of international law; the relationship between international law and international relations; the Eurocentricity' of international law; and the connection between political power and the ability to use or abuse (or ignore) international law. The new edition explores the impact of the United States' latest direction in foreign policy (arguably an intensification of pre-existing neo-conservative trends); considers in greater depth the issue of economic self-determination in relation to ex-colonial nations; expands the discussion of jurisdiction to cover immunity from jurisdiction; and covers recent developments at the International Criminal Court. Underlying the book is the assertion that international law is political in content (in the sense of being concerned with the exercise of power) but that it draws much of its effectiveness from its self-portrayal as being apolitical, or at least politically neutral.

This best-selling textbook covers the essential topics of undergraduate public law modules in an insightful and interesting way. The authors capture the vibrant nature of public law in practice and the key contemporary debates in the field. The fresh, direct and clear writing style enables students to really understand the fundamentals of the subject while also encouraging them to engage with difficult issues and debates. The book guides students through three key themes - the importance of executive accountability, the shift from political to legal constitutionalism, and multilayered governance - in order to demonstrate how the many strands of public law are interlinked Practical examples are used throughout to show students how this subject is of essential importance to everyday life in the UK. Questions are posed throughout each chapter to encourage students get to grips with the contentious nature of the subject. The authors use figures throughout the book to clearly explain complex concepts. The 'expert commentary' feature at the end of every chapter allows students to see the debates within each subject area first-hand. Also available as an ebook enhanced with self-assessment activities and multi-media content to offer a fully immersive experience and extra learning support.

"Like many other post-colonial states, Pakistan's political system has experienced domination by its military and other political power centres have needed to define their roles vis-¿vis the armed forces. An especially significant institution, and one whose role vis-¿vis the miltary has evolved and changed over time, has been the higher judiciary. On November 3rd, 2007, General Musharraf, Pakistan's fourth military ruler (since 1999), proclaimed a state of emergency in the country and suspended Pakistan's constitution. Musharraf's Proclamation was motivated by a growing confrontation with Pakistan's judiciary and its activist twentieth Chief Justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry. The regime ordered the judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court to take an oath to uphold his new Provisional Constitutional Order, and dismiss any legal challenge to the powers and authority of Musharraf's military regime. Any judges who refused to take this oath were to be immediately removed from judicial service. Yet, in an impressive show of defiance, a majority of the judges refused to take the oath, and suffered removal from office. A picture of Justice Chaudhry being manhandled by security officials soon became an iconic image that galvanized public support for the judiciary in its growing confrontation with the military. As the confrontation between the two institutions escalated, Pakistan's lawyers mobilized across the country, celebrating the judiciary's newfound commitment to socio-economic activism, encouraging its growing assertiveness against the military regime, and resisting efforts by the military to subdue the judiciary"--