Canada-U.S. Law Institute Distinguished Lecture: Standing Up for International Law

Monday, February 5, 2026 at 12:30pm
Room 36, Faculty of Law

Please join us for the 2026 Canada-U.S. Law Institute Distinguished Lecture (CSULI) on “Standing Up for International Law” by Professor Michael P. Scharf, President of the American Branch of the International Law Association and currently Associate Dean for Global Affairs and Joseph C. Hostetler -- BakerHostetler Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, Ohio.

Professor Scharf’s CUSLI Distinguished Lecture will examine how from time to time the rule of law has been under assault in the U.S. and around the world. From the War on Terror to 2026’s Venezuelan Intervention, academic and professional institutions are called upon to stand up for the rule of law. Doing so entails risks for universities, law firms and individuals. But what is the cost of inaction?

About Michael Scharf

Professor Michael Scharf brings long experience to the role of CUSLI Distinguished Lecturer. Before entering academia Prof. Scharf served as a diplomat in the Office of the Legal Adviser of the U.S. Department of State, where he held the positions of Attorney-Adviser for Law Enforcement and Intelligence, Attorney-Adviser for United Nations Affairs and U.S. delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

Professor Scharf has been Professor of Law at Case Western School of Law since 2002 where he has taught courses in Public International Law, International Criminal Law, a War Crimes Research Lab, International Organizations, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. From 2013-2024 he served as Co-Dean of CWRU Law School. 

Professor Scharf trained the judges for the trial of Saddam Hussein and during a sabbatical in 2008 he served as Special Assistant to the Prosecutor of the Cambodia Genocide Tribunal. In February 2022 he presented an Amicus Argument before the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court in The Hague on the question of who has the burden of proof in the insanity defense in a case involving a former child soldier.

Professor Scharf is the author of 20 books, five of which have won national book of the year honors. He is also currently the President of the American Branch of the International Law Association and a member of the Executive Council of the American Society of International Law.

Professor Scharf is Co-founder, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Public International Law & Policy Group, a non-profit corporation and U.N.-designated NGO with an annual $5 million budget, providing pro-bono international legal services to foreign governments and international organizations.

In his spare time Professor Scharf hosts “Talking Foreign Policy”, a radio show broadcast throughout Ohio on WKSU 89.7 FM, and is an accomplished musician.