Cases and Materials on International Law

"Cases and Materials on International Law" by David John Harris is a seminal textbook in the field of international law. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Sources of International Law:

   • The book extensively covers the various sources of international law, including custom, treaties, general principles of law, judicial decisions, and writings of jurists. It also discusses unilateral acts of states, General Assembly resolutions, and "soft law".

2. International Law and Municipal Law:

   • It explores the relationship between international law and municipal law, discussing monism and dualism, and how municipal law interacts with international law.

3. Personality in International Law:

   • The book delves into the concept of personality in international law, including states, mandated and trust territories, other legal persons, and recognition of states and governments.

4. Territory in International Law:

   • It examines various aspects of territory, such as title to territory, polar regions, land boundaries, airspace, outer space, and rights in foreign territory.

5. State Jurisdiction and Responsibility:

   • The book covers state jurisdiction, including the law of the sea, state responsibility, and human rights.

6. The Law of Treaties and Use of Force:

   • It discusses the law of treaties and the use of force, including arbitration and judicial settlement of disputes.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of international law through a combination of cases, materials, and theoretical discussions. It begins with an introduction to international law as a system of law and its development over time. The subsequent chapters delve into the sources of international law, its relationship with municipal law, and various aspects of state personality and territory. The book concludes with discussions on state jurisdiction, human rights, the law of treaties, and the use of force.

Critical Reception

"Cases and Materials on International Law" is widely recognized as a leading textbook in the field. The eighth edition, published in 2022, incorporates all major developments in international law, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars alike. The book has been praised for its thorough coverage of the subject matter and its ability to provide a clear and structured approach to understanding complex international legal concepts.

Editions

The book has been published in several editions:

• 1998 Edition: This edition was the first to draw together an exhaustive collection of cases and materials on international law.
• 2004 Edition: This edition continued to update the material with new developments in international law.
• 2022 Edition: The latest edition, which is the eighth, includes all major developments in the field, making it the most comprehensive version to date.

Overall, "Cases and Materials on International Law" by David John Harris is a foundational text that provides a detailed and structured approach to understanding the complexities of international law. Its critical reception and widespread use make it an essential resource for anyone studying or practicing international law.