LW901-7-FY-CO:
International Human Rights Law: Law and Practice
2022/23
Essex Law School
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 06 October 2022
Friday 30 June 2023
30
13 October 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
LLM M2M012 Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
LLM M2M024 Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
LLM M10112 International Human Rights Law,
LLM M10124 International Human Rights Law,
LLM M10A12 International Human Rights Law (Economic Relations),
LLM M1AA12 International Human Rights and Economic Law,
LLM M1AA24 International Human Rights and Economic Law
The module covers the United Nations machinery for the promotion and protection of human rights.
It also covers the major global human rights treaties; the regional systems of Europe, the Americas and Africa; universality and cultural relativism; the right to life; the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the prohibition of enforced disappearance; equality and non- discrimination; religious intolerance; freedom of expression; the protection of minorities; fair trial; economic, social and cultural rights; states of emergency and counter-terrorism, state responsibility; accountability of non-state actors; freedom of association; right to food; right to health; human rights and development and national implementation of human rights commitments.
This module aims to provide students with an analytical, critical and contextual introduction to international human rights law. It includes both international and regional norms, institutions and processes, as well as some issues arising from the national implementation of these norms. The course is designed to provide a solid legal foundation on the basis of which students will pursue their more specialised optional courses and human rights research.
While the scope and depth of the subject does not permit LW901 to cover all relevant issues, it aims to familiarise students with the major contemporary features and debates within international human rights law. Further, it provides students with an opportunity to develop their analytical skills in relation to the international law of human rights.
The learning outcomes of the course are:
1. Comprehension of legal methodology and legal writing appropriate for a Master’s level course
2. Ability to discuss and evaluate the major theoretical approaches to human rights law
3. Ability to discuss and evaluate the major institutions responsible for overseeing and protecting human rights
4. Ability to critically assess and address practical problems involving human rights protection
5. Ability to apply the law accurately and critically to practical situations
Indicative Topics:
Introduction, equality and non-discrimination
The ICCPR / ICESCR: common and different obligations
Scope of application, jurisdiction and extraterritoriality
Progressive realization, core obligations, and non-retrogression
Emergencies/derogations and limitations
Rights in context: terrorism and armed conflict
Physical integrity and wellbeing
Right to health
Right to life
Detention, torture and cruel and inhumane and degrading treatment
Development and environment
Right to adequate standard of living
Right to education
Right to a healthy environment
Rights in context: Capitalism & human rights
Expression and participation
Freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and association
Right to self-determination
Rights in context: rights of minorities and indigenous peoples
Enforcement and compliance
Right to an effective remedy, justiciability and enforcement
Litigation and other practices
This module will be taught via weekly 2-hour seminars and weekly 1-hour tutorials.
The module teaching team will upload all relevant teaching materials on Moodle. You will find reading lists, the textbook, weekly handouts or PPS notes on Moodle. The materials in question are designed both to help you navigate the material to be covered in the seminars and to equip you to analyse the required readings. You will be expected to have completed the required readings in advance of your seminars.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Lorna McGregor, email: lmcgreg@essex.ac.uk.
Dr. Marina Lostal; Dr. Koldo Casla; Professor Ahmed Shaheed; Dr. Tara Van Ho; Dr. Tuba Turan; Dr Ebba Lekvall; Dr Julie Hannah
lmcgreg@essex.ac.uk
No
No
Yes
Prof Julia Shaw
De Montfort University
Professor of Law
Dr Luke Moffett
Available via Moodle
Of 94 hours, 93 (98.9%) hours available to students:
1 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Essex Law School
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