Masterclass: Khashoggi, Assange and Congestion Charge: Current Topics in Diplomatic and Consular Law

This two-day online course looks into some of the most fascinating questions of the law of diplomatic and consular relations.

Diplomatic and consular law are two of the most fascinating areas of international law. They look back on a long history, but they also continue to raise intriguing questions which puzzle observers and which will be at the centre of our seminars. What, for instance, was a Hungarian cardinal doing for 15 years in the American embassy in Budapest? Why did a Nigerian politician find himself inside a diplomatic bag? How did the International Court of Justice try to stop an execution in Arizona, and why did this involve questions of consular law?

Other questions that arise in this area are of everyday concern to diplomatic agents and consular officers, and everybody who has an interest in this area. What are the immunities that diplomats and consuls enjoy, and why is the inviolability of the premises of the mission important? What does the receiving State have to do to support the work of diplomats and consuls? Does international law allow the planting of listening devices in diplomatic and consular missions?

In this course, we will discuss:

• The basic concepts and sources of diplomatic and consular law.
• Key functions and tasks of consuls and diplomats.
• How certain topical situations, such as allegations of diplomatic interference, the granting of diplomatic asylum are evaluated under diplomatic law today.
• Selected questions that arise where with regard to consular law today, such as the inviolability of consular premises and the communication of consuls with imprisoned nationals of the sending State.

This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in law, politics or international relations. However, it is open to all regardless of knowledge, industry or level of study.

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.