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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1: Powell, E. J. (2013). Islamic law states and the International Court of Justice. Journal of Peace Research, 50(2), 203-217.

Discuss:

1. What are some of the similarities between International law and Islamic law?
2. What are some of the differences between International law and Islamic law?
3. Can you think of non-Islamic law countries that have had issues with complying with International law? What might be some reasons for the non-compliance? 

Article 2: Hobbs, P. (2011). Defining the law:(Mis) using the dictionary to decide cases. Discourse Studies, 13(3), 327-347.

Discuss:

1. The author of the article states that the law could not exist without language. What are the implications to the practice of law if we consider language ambiguities and changes over time?
2. The author states: “The dictionary definition – in effect, a list of suggested synonyms – transforms the analysis from a focused inquiry to an exegesis of the possible meanings of the term, as exemplified by the Court’s argument in Smith that ‘[a]s the dictionary definitions and experience make clear, one can use a firearm in a number of different ways (p.343).’ In your opinion, is an expansion of possible meanings to the word positive or negative in the context of interpreting laws. How could the court benefit from not using a dictionary?