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Emma Wood


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Lecturer in Law

I graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2017 with First Class Honours in my LLB.

I then went on to study my masters in International Law and Governance at Durham University. My dissertation examined the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) through the lens of the women, peace, and security agenda. I graduated with a distinction in 2018.

I joined the University of Sunderland as a Postgraduate Academic Assistant in Law in 2018 but I'm now working as a Lecturer as of 2022. I teach a number of modules on LLB and LLM Law while also studying for my PhD.

My PhD thesis is on international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in hostilities. Specifically, it looks at whether international law adequately defines the phrase 'direct participation in hostilities'.



Teaching and supervision

I am currently module leader for:

  • Public International Law (LAW351)
  • Fundamental Legal Skills (LAW175)
  • International Human Rights Law (LAWM42)


I also teach on:

  • Trusts Law (LAW371)

Research interests for potential research students

My main academic research areas focus on public international law, conflict, and transitional justice. This includes, but is not limited to, public international law theory, the role of women as mediators during the post-conflict period, and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. I am particularly interested in the governance of human shields and child soldiers during hostilities.

Research

I am currently enrolled on a PhD at the University of Sunderland. This is focused on how international humanitarian law defines the phrase 'direct participation in hostilities'. It looks to the grey areas that exist within the current legal framework, like human shields and child soldiers, and current commentary that exists in the area, in order to identify a more certain framework for their governance.
  • Public international law
  • International Humanitarian Law
  • Transitional Justice and Gender

Last updated 28 February 2024