Use of force

8/1/2014

Use of Force in Syria - Google Groups

Google Groups
Use of Force in Syria
Atty.EDL

Jul 30, 2014 11:30 AM

Posted in group: International Relations & International Law (P139)

International Relations and Public International Law
Use of Force
Role-Play Simulation
Atty. Edmar D. Lerios

Good day class! In preparation of your Midterm Examination, which includes the Chapter on the Use of
Force, we will have oral arguments (mock trial) about the current events in Syria or the Syrian civil war. So here's what you're going to do:
1. Read online (reputable sites, magazines, publication, encyclopedia) about the current crisis in Ukraine. You can visit the following sites for the key facts: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26248275 or http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/27/world/meast/syria-civil-war-fast-facts/ 2. Study the DEBATE MAP: USE OF FORCE AGAINST SYRIA published by Oxford Public International
Law. Here's the link: http://opil.ouplaw.com/page/debate_map_syria/debate-map-use-of-force-against-syria#overview There are links to online articles for each sections of the debate map. Read and study only the relevant portions, such as:
I. OVERVIEW OF LEGAL ISSUES
II. UN Charter Article 2(4) Prohibition of the Use of Force
III. Legality of Possible Grounds for Intervention
V. Self-Defence Article 51

3. Imagine yourself as a lawyer—either FOR or AGAINST a US/coalition of forces’ military intervention in
Syria. And you are now in the final stage of the trial about to deliver your closing argument. The chosen https://groups.google.com/forum/print/msg/internationalrelationsandlaw/hk1gpiHfJmE/6uDMzvn_w08J 1/3

8/1/2014

Use of Force in Syria - Google Groups

speaker, in one group, will act as the counsel justifying military intervention in Syria, and for the other group, arguing against any form of intervention. Using the background, the facts, the issues, and the legal arguments involved in the Syrian crisis, you construct a 3 to 5-minute closing statement, master it, and deliver your winning argument. No reading or glancing at your notes.
Here's your guide (taken from American Bar Association):
Final Step in a Trial: Closing Arguments
The lawyers' closing arguments or summations discuss the evidence and properly drawn inferences. The lawyers cannot talk about issues outside the case or about evidence that was not presented. The judge usually indicates to the lawyers before closing arguments begin which instructions he or she intends to give the jury.
In their closing arguments the lawyers can comment on the jury instructions and relate them to the evidence. The lawyer for the plaintiff usually goes first. The lawyer sums up and comments on the evidence in the most favorable light for his or her side, showing how it proved what he or she had to prove to prevail in the case.
After that side has made its case, the defense then presents its closing arguments. The defense lawyer usually answers statements made in the plaintiff's or government's argument, points out defects in their case and sums up the facts favorable to his/her client.
Because the plaintiff has the burden of proof, the lawyer for that side is then entitled to make a concluding argument, sometimes called a rebuttal. This is a chance to respond to the defendant's points and make one final appeal to the judge/jury.

Here are youtube links of sample videos of closing arguments from renowned attorneys in the United States:
Gerry Spence and Clarence Darrow (not the actual Clarence Darrow but as played by actor Kevin Space). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Reemd6FzM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQzN9mtvLvM
Legal Memorandum
In addition to that, I want you to make a LEGAL MEMORANDUM on the position you took; that is, for the side you are arguing for. So, it means you need to make further research applying the lessons and concepts under the Chapter: USE OF FORCE. You can also use the links provided by Oxford Public International
Law.

HERE'S A RUNDOWN OF WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO ON WEDNESDAY (August 6):
i. Your group's chosen speaker will deliver you're winning argument, you're closing statement in 3-5 minutes. This is your last attempt to convince the court to rule on your favor. ii. The counsel in favor of US (or coalition) Military Intervention will go first. Then the counsel against it will follow. iii. Each group will submit a printed, well-researched, well-argued, LEGAL MEMORANDUM supporting your closing argument. It should contain your arguments and defenses for the position you chose using the following format: INTRODUCTION, STATEMENT OF FACTS, THE ISSUES,
DISCUSSION/ARGUMENTS, CONCLUSION/PRAYER (not less than 10 pages, but not more than 20 pages, single spaced, Font size 12). Please observe proper citations of sources or references using footnotes https://groups.google.com/forum/print/msg/internationalrelationsandlaw/hk1gpiHfJmE/6uDMzvn_w08J 2/3

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Use of Force in Syria - Google Groups

or endnotes AND bibliography. DO NOT COPY PASTE ARGUMENTS. iv. I will grade you based on the quality of your arguments presented in the closing statement and in your
LEGAL MEMORANDUM (50% oral arguments, 50% legal memorandum).

FOR YOUR REFERENCE, please see file I emailed you, some guides on what is a memorandum and how to make it. No extensions for submissions (August 4). Good luck! Prepare. Seriously prepare. This activity will have a huge impact on your Midterm Grade (Class Participation).

https://groups.google.com/forum/print/msg/internationalrelationsandlaw/hk1gpiHfJmE/6uDMzvn_w08J

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