Course Listing

Transnational Law
Last Updated Date:   7 July 2026


5 Units,  Semester 1

Course Description:
‘Transnational law’ refers to regulatory regimes whose territorial reach is not constrained by state borders, as is the case with the ‘domestic’ or ‘state’ law that is the principal focus of the law school curriculum; but which – unlike international law – governs the transnational activities of private actors rather than those of nation-states. It is a still emergent form of law with which persons with legal training are increasingly having to engage. Such engagement requires appreciating the different institutional architectures transnational legal regimes can take, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of each. Beyond this, the seminar will also explore the different ways these regimes go about shaping transnational behaviour; the different ways they can interact with other legal regimes; how and why a particular regime might evolve over time; and how – when necessary – a transnational legal regime might be, should be, and can be challenged.

Course Convenor: A/P Michael Dowdle

Co-teacher(s): NA

Course Codes: LL4213V / LL5213V / LL6213V / LLJ5213V

Contact Hours: 3 hr weekly seminar

Workload: 3 hours

Mode of Assessment: Class Participation - 30%; Term Paper - 70% [Due: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 (3pm)]

Preclusions: LL4213/LL5213/LLJ5213/LL6213 Transnational Law in Theory and Practice

Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.

Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination

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