Increased interest among students in international law

Lögrétta, the Law Student’s Association at the University of Reykjavik, recently held a successful seminar titled Turning Points in the North: International Law and Iceland. The speakers were Dr Rachael Lorna Johnstone, Dr. Þórdís Ingadóttir, and Pawel Bartoszek. The moderator was Dr Snjólaug Árnadóttir, associate professor at the Law Department at RU.

The first speaker of the day was Dr Rachael Lorna Johnstone, an expert in polar law and professor at the University of Akureyri. She discussed the historical context of Greenland in relation to defence matters and international law.

Dr. Þórdís Ingadóttir then spoke about Iceland’s position in light of changes in international law. She also addressed Iceland's stance in international legal matters when the independence of other nations is at stake.

Finally, Pawel Bartoszek spoke about his role on the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and outlined the changing landscape of international affairs, as well as the priorities to be considered in that context.

Around 35 people attended the meeting. According to Snæfríður Lillý Árnadóttir, Chair of the Lögrétta Debate Society, lively panel discussions followed the event, where various international legal and political issues were debated.

In my view, the main outcome of the meeting was the dialogue it created between people from academia, politics, and the general public on these important issues. I also feel that student interest in international law (not just among law students) has increased significantly recently. That interest may partly stem from the new developments in the legal landscape that were discussed at the meeting.

Says Snæfríður Lillý.

The event was organised by Málfundafélag Lögréttu (the Debate Society). Its role is to initiate discussion on legal issues and to train fellow students to strengthen their reasoning and public speaking skills. The society hosts open debates on current legal matters that are high on the agenda at any given time.