This course provides a focused and in-depth examination of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS), a unique U.S. legal mechanism for litigating international human rights violations in domestic courts. It traces the historical origins, evolving jurisprudence, and current constraints on ATS litigation, with an emphasis on corporate liability, extraterritorial application, and strategic considerations. Students will analyze key cases, engage in litigation simulations, and assess the practicalities of bringing or defending ATS claims.
Through hands-on legal training, the course prepares future litigators, compliance professionals, and policy advisors to evaluate the viability of ATS claims, defend companies against international law-based lawsuits, and understand the broader implications of transnational human rights litigation.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the historical and legal foundations of the Alien Tort Statute.
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Analyze leading Supreme Court and appellate decisions defining the scope of ATS litigation.
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Evaluate legal strategies for bringing or defending ATS claims in U.S. courts.
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Assess corporate liability risks and compliance mechanisms in the context of transnational human rights litigation.
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Develop legal tools to draft complaints, motions, and defenses in ATS-related cases.
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Apply broader doctrines of customary international law, jurisdiction, and forum non conveniens to human rights litigation.
