SLW holds jurisprudence conference
Shirley Pang
The conference brought together international legal scholars and academics from North America, Europe and Asia to share their views and experiences relating to international law and its jurisprudential foundations. The speakers’ discussion and analysis focused on modern social and political realities and how international law principles and philosophy had changed over time to meet changing international needs and aspirations.
Officiating guests at the inauguration session included Professor Nohyoung Park, Professor of International Law, College of Law at Korea University and member of the International Advisory Board at SLW; Mr Huen Wong, President of The Law Society of Hong Kong; Ms Amelia Luk, Law Officer (International Law), Department of Justice; Professor Wang Guiguo, Dean of SLW and Professor Anton Cooray, Associate Dean of SLW.
Professor Wang said at the inauguration session, “The importance of international law is increasing and is universally recognised. The conference has raised awareness of the theoretical context and practical application of international law in times of peace and amidst conflict.”
Professor Cooray said, “A significant outcome of this conference is the publication of a selection of conference papers as a special issue of the Asia Pacific Law Review, the flagship publication of SLW. The publication will undoubtedly further the ideas mooted at this conference.”
International law has taken centre stage in the legal arena because of the constant developments involving peace and conflict. While international trade and investment dispute resolution is gaining momentum, the world still faces unprecedented international conflicts accentuated by internal civil strife. New Haven School of thought originates in Yale University and provides a conceptual framework for understanding the nature, scope and role of international law.
Among the leading legal scholars was Professor W. Michael Reisman, Professor of International Law at the Yale Law School. He is also a Co-Chairman of the International Advisory Board of SLW which is established to advise on school development. Professor Reisman delivered a key-note speech and hosted a session on “Looking to the Future: The Abiding Contributions of the New Haven School”.
In addition to being a platform for exchange of ideas, the conference provided an opportunity for local law students to follow recent developments in many branches of international law. It was important for law students, especially those who would participate in international mooting competitions, to learn from prominent scholars and academics their perspectives.