International and Foreign Law Research at the Ross-Blakely Law Library

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Are you looking for a reliable and comprehensive research guide to international and foreign law? Look no further than the Ross-Blakely Law Library’s guide. This guide provides researchers with detailed information on all aspects of international and foreign law with individual pages for each of the following sections:

Secondary Sources 

Embark on your legal research journey with the aid of secondary sources, which offer invaluable insights and comprehensive overviews of a wide array of legal topics. Delve into our curated list of essential secondary sources, encompassing legal encyclopedias, scholarly law reviews, and authoritative treatises. For instance, you might consult the “Oxford Handbook of International Law” to gain a firm grasp of foundational concepts in international law.

Treaties 

As the lifeblood of international law, treaties are indispensable in shaping international relations and obligations. To effectively locate and interpret these agreements, consult resources such as the United Nations Treaty Collection and the HeinOnline Treaties and Agreements Library. You can explore research topics like the impact of the Paris Agreement on global climate change policies or the implications of the Geneva Conventions on warfare regulations.

U.S. Foreign Affairs 

Delve into the complex world of U.S. foreign policy and international relations by consulting our informative guide. With resources like the U.S. Department of State website and the Congressional Research Service Reports, you can research topics such as the evolution of U.S. relations with China or the role of the U.S. in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Foreign Law 

Navigating foreign legal systems may be daunting, but our guide simplifies the process by offering insights on how to locate and comprehend foreign legal sources. Utilize resources such as WorldLII and the Global Legal Information Network to investigate topics like the impact of the United Kingdom’s GDPR regulations on data privacy or the differences between civil law and common law systems.

European Union 

Our guide acquaints you with the EU’s legal system and resources, spotlighting the EU’s official website and the European Union Law Collection on HeinOnline. Delve into research topics like the legal challenges of Brexit or the EU’s approach to antitrust enforcement.

United Nations 

The United Nations (UN) is a pivotal international organization that addresses myriad global issues. Our guide equips researchers with essential information on the UN and its various bodies, featuring resources such as the UN’s official website and the UN Treaty Collection. Investigate pressing topics like the UN’s role in global peacekeeping missions or its efforts to combat human trafficking.

Armed Conflict 

The profound impact of armed conflict on international law necessitates a deep understanding of international humanitarian law and the laws of war. Our guide offers invaluable resources such as the International Committee of the Red Cross website and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, enabling researchers to explore topics like the legal ramifications of drone warfare or the prosecution of war crimes.

Commercial Arbitration 

To effectively research commercial arbitration in foreign countries, it is crucial to understand local customs and practices that may influence the arbitration process. Our guide presents resources like the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Court of Arbitration and the American Arbitration Association, enabling researchers to examine topics like cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms or the role of arbitration in resolving intellectual property disputes.

Criminal Law 

The rapidly expanding field of international criminal law warrants close attention. Our guide introduces researchers to essential resources, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, empowering them to explore topics like the prosecution of crimes against humanity or the legal challenges of transnational organized crime.

Environmental Law 

With environmental law playing a critical role in international law, our guide offers key resources such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Researchers can delve into topics like the effectiveness of international marine conservation treaties or the role of international law in addressing deforestation.

Global Health 

In light of the last few years, it is probably no surprise that global health is an increasingly important area of international law. The guide provides researchers with information on international health law, including resources such as the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

Human Rights 

At the core of international law lies the vital pursuit of human rights protection. Our guide offers researchers an array of resources on international human rights law, featuring indispensable sources like the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Delve into research topics such as the impact of social media on freedom of expression or the challenges of protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

Indigenous Law 

As a frequently underappreciated facet of international law, indigenous law warrants comprehensive exploration. Our guide equips researchers with information on international indigenous law, spotlighting resources such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs. Investigate topics like the role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation or the legal implications of land rights disputes between governments and indigenous communities.

Trade 

International trade is an indispensable component of international law, shaping economic relations between nations. Our guide familiarizes researchers with international trade law, introducing resources like the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Delve into research topics such as the legal implications of trade wars or the role of international trade law in addressing global income inequality.

The Ross-Blakely Law Library’s guide is an excellent resource for anyone interested in international and foreign law. With its comprehensive coverage of topics and resources, it should be the first stop for anybody in the ASU Law community who is doing international research.  If you’re looking for expert advice, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of the law librarians to help create a research roadmap for your international journey.