HUMR4506 – International Human Rights Law: Leading Cases
Course content
This course will examine the most notable cases of the international judicial bodies charged with protecting human rights, paying particular attention to the most recent legal developments. The main focus will be on the United Nations and European legal systems with some reference to the American and African systems. Also highlighted will be leading cases and developments in Norwegian domestic law. Through the study of case law, the student will become familiar with the most-referenced cases and understand the contemporary direction and degree of protection offered by these courts or quasi-courts addressing the following areas:
- Freedom from discrimination
- Extra-territorial effects and positive obligations
- Safeguarding pluralism in education
- Protection of secular life stances
- Minority, indigenous rights and self-determination
- Property and land rights
- Public participation and free elections
- Protection of privacy
- Terrorism and personal liberty and security
- The standard of “necessary in a democratic society” and the principle of proportionality Principles of interpretation
- The object and purpose of the ECHR and the ICCPR: the value systems of the conventions
Learning outcome
The amount of cases addressed by the international judicial bodies charged with protected human rights exponentially increases each year. The purpose of this course is to track the major developments in the jurisprudence of these bodies. The objective is that students acquire a good understanding of the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee in selected areas based on assigned literature. In addition, students are expected to have a general understanding of developments of other international monitoring bodies. This course will provide a substantive preparation for a professional life which involves work related to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Admission is limited to students studying at the Master's Degree level. Priority is given to students on the Master of Philosophy programme in the Theory and Practice of Human Rights.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Students with no background in human rights studies are strongly advised to prepare in advance the recommended readings.
Teaching
Lectures and seminars with active student participation.
Examination
6-hour written exam, grades A-F (F=fail).