Mishpatim Seminar: Israeli & International Law

This seminar introduces you to the Israeli legal system and explores current issues and controversies at the core of the Israeli legal debate. You’ll examine key questions regarding the role of the judiciary in the Israeli system of government, the tension between the democratic and Jewish attributes of the state of Israel, the Palestinian population in Israel and the Occupied Territories, and the status of asylum-seekers.

The curriculum touches on a variety of highly relevant topics including international criminal law, constitutional law, human rights, immigration and refugee law, and legal aspects of counterterrorism. You’ll learn from guest lectures by some of Israel’s prominent young legal scholars as well as advocates working to promote democracy and human rights in Israel.

Structure

This 60-hour seminar, conducted entirely in English, provides students with knowledge of the basic concepts and institutional framework of Israeli law, as well as a practical perspective regarding the operation of the legal system on the ground in a variety of realms, both through lectures and tours.

Course Components 

• Field trips to locations such as the Supreme Court of Israel, the Knesset (Parliament of Israel), and Yad VaShem (the Holocaust Museum).
• Daily course readings on statutory law and common law, along with academic commentary by Israeli and international jurists.
• The schedule is planned to allow students sufficient time to travel around the country and discover first-hand the rich and diverse aspects of Israeli society. View the tentative syllabus for the Winter 2023 program. The Summer 2024 tentative syllabus will be available soon.
• Attendance is mandatory throughout the program.
• Formal assessment at the conclusion of the course. This requirement may vary according to the home University and the type of degree.

Additional information about the program is available on the Mishpatim program website.

View the summer 2024 program brochure

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Apply by: May 1, 2024
Program dates: June 24 – July 18, 2024
Program length: Four weeks

Application fee: $120
Course: $2,450
Housing*: $750
*Depending on availability  

Learn more about fees, cost of living, and paying for the program.

Scholarships

The Australian Friends of the Hebrew University will consider providing financial assistance on the basis of academic merit, financial need or community involvement for Australian Citizens and Residents. Please contact a Student Liaison Officer for more information.

This program is open to you as a student who has completed at least one year of study at an Australian (or other) university in law, international relations, political science, religious studies, or peace and conflict studies. You are also eligible as a practicing lawyer or member of the clergy. Most students will be from Australia, but students from other countries are welcome to apply.