This module critically analyses the principal human rights regimes in Europe:
- The Council of Europe system, which revolves around the European Convention on Human Rights, and;
- The system of protection in the European Union, as prescribed by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the case law of the European Court of Justice.
Throughout the course, we will consider the historical and ideological roots of these rights; how they are interpreted by Courts, and how they apply in a range of fascinating contexts. The material we will cover touches upon themes such as privacy in the age of mass surveillance; access to reproductive health; LGBTQi rights; human trafficking, migration and asylum; State responses to terrorism and conflict, and much more.
If you have an interest in – or strong opinions on – any of these themes, this course will allow you to legally substantiate your views, and will deepen your understanding of the factors that affect human rights issues in Europe today.
This module increases student employability by supporting the development of critical thinkers, problem solvers, collaborators, and global citizens. This module may also prepare the student for further specialisation in human rights or international law.
I. History of the European Convention on Human Rights
- The post-war context in which the Convention was drafted, and the competing philosophies which influenced its eventual shape
II. Enforcement of the Convention
- The European Court of Human Rights – its composition, and its interpretive tools. Composition of the Court and bringing a case before it.
- The enforcement procedures in place which give effect to the Convention at an international level, and how these compare to other regional human rights systems
III. What rights are protected by the Convention?
- The scope and application of various core rights, including the right to life; freedom of expression and belief; the right to family and private life; and the prohibitions on torture and slavery
IV. Incorporation of the Convention, and its impact on the Irish legal system
V. Human Rights Protection under the European Union
- The development of human rights protection by the European Union
- The relationship between the European Union and European Court of Human Rights
History of the European Convention on Human Rights
The post-war context in which the Convention was drafted, and the competing philosophies which influenced its eventual shape
Enforcement of the Convention
1. The European Court of Human Rights – its composition, and its interpretive tools. Composition of the Court and bringing a case before it.2. The enforcement procedures in place which give effect to the Convention at an international level, and how these compare to other regional human rights systems
What rights are protected by the Convention?
The scope and application of various core rights, including the right to life; freedom of expression and belief; the right to family and private life; and the prohibitions on torture and slavery
Incorporation of the Convention, and its impact on the Irish legal system
n/a
Human Rights Protection under the European Union
1. The development of human rights protection by the European Union2. The relationship between the European Union and European Court of Human Rights
Lectures
The module will primarily be delivered through a weekly lecture. However, lectures will adopt a student-centred approach, and student learning will often be supported through the following activities:
Small Group Activities
Students will be assigned to groups to discuss and interpret key passages from the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. The lecturer will provide assistance and guidance on how to interpret these terms. Students will then be expected to present their findings to their peers via minute papers or short oral presentations. This will provide a strong basis for making notes on key cases.
Problem-Based Learning
Students will be assigned to groups to work through hypothetical human rights issues. Students will be expected to assist one another in the identification of legal issues, the interpretation of the relevant rights, and the presentation of an accurate response to the lecturer.
Active Viewing
Throughout the year, students will interact with a variety of engaging audio-visual resources drawn from popular media and YouTube. Students will be asked to engage in peer-to-peer discussion and to complete handouts on these resources.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |