About the Scottish Centre for International Law

Edinburgh University has been one of the leading centres for teaching and research in Public International Law since 1707. James Lorimer, Regius Professor of Public Law and the Law of Nature and Nations in the mid-nineteenth century was a prominent founding member of both the International Law Association and the Institut de Droit International. More recently a former graduate, Choon-ho Park, has been a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and many Edinburgh graduates have served as international lawyers in foreign ministries, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and international courts.

The Scottish Centre for International Law was established in 1999 at the University of Edinburgh. Its aims are to promote research and study in international law, to play an active role in the development of international law in and outside Scotland, to promote excellence in the teaching of international law, and to offer a wide range of expertise on all matters pertaining to international law. It also provides support for postgraduate students and scholars to undertake study and research in international law and related fields. The present Director of the Centre is Professor Bill Gilmore.

The Centre has hosted seminars and lectures by many distinguished speakers. Its conferences (Fragmentation and International Law in 1996; Scots Law and Human Rights in 1999; Regional Trade Agreements and the WTO in 2005) aim to bring together scholars and professionals to advance knowledge and understanding in international law and other relevant areas. In 1999-2000 the Centre ran a British Academy funded research project on Environmental Damage in International and Comparative Law. In 2003-5 the Centre also partnered the University of Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago, Chile in a British Council-funded research programme on Sustainable Development and International Law.

For a summary of our recent activities, please download the latest copy of our report covering the academic year 2008/2009.

If you have any questions or queries about the Scottish Centre for International Law, please email Professor Bill Gilmore.

June 2009: Edinburgh Global Administrative Law Symposium

On Tuesday 16 June 2009, the University of Edinburgh will host a one-day symposium that focuses on the emerging field of Global Administrative Law. The symposium is being organized by the student-led Discussion Group on International Law and it is sponsored by the Edinburgh Law School Postgraduate Research Committee and the Scottish Centre for International Law.

The symposium is intended to provide an opportunity for PhD students to present short papers relating to Global Administrative Law, as well as to listen and interact with other students and established researchers in the field. Academics participating in the symposium include Dr Euan MacDonald (current Research Officer at the New York University Global Administrative Law project), Professor Janet McLean (University of Dundee), Professor Chris Himsworth (University of Edinburgh) and Professor Alan Miller (Chair, Scottish Human Rights Commission). There is no registration cost for participation in the symposium and lunch will be provided. For more information, visit the Edinburgh Global Administrative Law Symposium website or email the organisers.

May 2009: Results of the 2009 Telders International Law Mooting Competition

The finals of the 2009 Telders International Law Mooting Competition took place at The Hague on 16-18 April 2009. Edinburgh Law School was represented by Stephen Bailey, Yara Saab, Fiona Todd, and Briana West. The competition was ultimately won by the University of Novi Sad (Serbia) who beat the University of Vienna (Austria) in the final. Full details of the results can be found on the competition website.

The Edinburgh team and coach outside of the Peace Palace. More photos.

May 2009: Edinburgh LLM students participate in 2009 Jean Pictet Competition

In April, three LLM students from Edinburgh Law School took time out from their studies to take part in the Jean-Pictet competition. Elizabeth Campbell, Claire Loxley, and Adrian Traylor, all enrolled on the LLM in International Law, headed to Evian-les-Bains in France to compete against teams from universities around the world in the international humanitarian law competition. The competition required the students to take on various roles in the context of a fictional conflict between two countries, Chada and Fasher. Adrian explained, "Throughout the week, we found ourselves critiquing military actions, defending rebel army conduct, working with victims of abuse, and much more. The tasks varied enormously. In the morning we were put in the role of a legal specialist with the International Committee of the Red Cross. In the afternoon, we were government lawyers defending the targeting of civilians." All three students agreed that the competition was a fantastic experience. According to Claire, "it was one of the most challenging and enjoyable experiences in my life, both professionally and personally." Adrian agreed: "The Jean-Pictet Competition was one of the best experiences I have had. Aside from the competition, there was an atmosphere of frivolity and friendliness that was staggering. It was unforgettable."

Claire, Adrian and Liz at the Jean-Pictet competition in Evian-les-Bains, April 2009

A list of upcoming lectures and seminars can be found on the events page.

For past news from the Scottish Centre for International Law, see the News Archive.