Aims

The module aims to provide an advanced comparative understanding of theoretical debates underpinning the concept of human rights, the mechanisms that can be relied upon for their protection, and how human rights are protected in practice while critically reflecting on the limitations that exist in their effective universal and domestic application. In essence, the module provides a platform for critical reflection on how the national, regional and international legal orders interact in the development, interpretation and enforcement of human rights in a contemporary setting.

Outline Of Syllabus

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

* Human Rights: Conceptual origins, theoretical underpinnings and protection of human rights in a contemporary legal context

* Universality of Human Rights v Cultural relativism

* International mechanisms of human rights protection – United Nations and international human rights treaties

* Regional mechanisms of human rights protection – European Convention on Human Rights

* National mechanisms of human rights protection – Human Rights Act 1998

* The right to life

* Prohibition from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures:

The lectures aim to introduce key concepts, theories and legal principles as well as main scholarly debates on relevant issues strengthening in this way student understanding.

Seminars:

Seminars provide an opportunity to deepen student understanding on key issues through discussion and active student engagement through advanced reading and preparation on set questions/problems. They also enable students to take control over their learning. Students will also be given responsibility over taking notes, synthesising information, comparing their understanding and sharing this with the entire class by uploading such notes on Canvas.


The combination of these activities will enable students to obtain a sound and well-rounded understanding of the fundamentals of human rights law whilst at the same time strengthening critical evaluation, legal analysis, problem solving and research skills. They will also enhance students’ ability to comprehend a wide range of primary and secondary sources, to formulate well-substantiated legal arguments and opinions and to articulate these orally and in writing clearly and coherently.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay aims to strengthen student comprehension through undertaking of in-depth critical legal analysis and independent research. It also aims to advance students’ writing and problem-solving skills, time management as well as their ability to advance well-supported legal arguments in a concise and focused manner. This is achieved through synthesis of information/materials/ideas and arguments obtained from a wide range of primary and secondary resources which are then implemented in a set context.

The exam aims to test student knowledge on a broader range of legal issues and a student's ability to effectively apply such knowledge to hypothetical scenarios.

Alternative assessment for exam: if the exam cannot take place due to public health circumstances, it will be replaced with a 24 hour take home exam.