Public International Law is the body of rules and principles regulating primarily the conduct of relations among States (i.e. independent countries) and intergovernmental organisations (e.g. the United Nations). It is the legal framework within which international life at the official level is conducted, and aims to facilitate an orderly, just and peaceful system of international relations. This course is designed to give students a comprehensively structured overview of the international legal architecture, and to serve as a foundation for more advanced studies in particular specialised fields of international law. It is also designed specifically for students at the postgraduate level who have not previously studied international law. Topics covered may include: history and nature of international law; sources of international law; treaties; international law in Hong Kong law; statehood and international legal personality; state responsibility; treatment of foreign nationals and diplomatic protection; state jurisdiction; state immunities; state territory.