The objective of this course is to introduce students to the theoretical and methodological tools to explore the connection between law and international development. What is the role of the law in the fight against global poverty? What is (or should be) the contribution of the law to social and economic development? What are the key differences between bottom-up and top-down approaches to development, and why do they matter? We will analyse these questions at the international and domestic levels, discussing practical considerations whenever possible. An emphasis will be made in developing countries, usually depicted as lacking proper rule of law - where human rights abuses are too common, corruption is rampant and public officers are not accountable for their misdeeds. To what extent is this bleak description accurate across the developing world? How has the scenario changed in the last two decades?

Subject rules

Readings