LAW3602: International Human Rights Law
4 Advanced Liberals Arts credits
This course considers the development, structure and efficacy of international human rights law. Topics include:• Fundamental rights to freedom, family, and bodily integrity, as well as other rights to health and education, cultural expression, and the like• The emerging intersections between international human rights law and global business, and how business activity can enhance or detract from human rights• International and regional human rights instruments and systems, the obligations of states and individuals to uphold human rights, and remedies for violations• International crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes• Historical development, how and why human rights standards came into being, and how they change over time• The use of international human rights law to protect specific groups (eg, women, children, LGBTQ persons, cultural minorities, etc.)• The role of non-state actors (multinational businesses, NGOs, advocacy groups) in the global legal regime around human rights Special emphasis is placed on the role of international human rights law in international and domestic institutions, transnational businesses, and personal and professional ethics in the global setting. There will be some comparative analysis of international and domestic laws and frameworks. A common theme throughout is the intersection of national and international legal norms with the realms of national and international politics, and the extent to which one or the other is better suited to address the serious challenges faced by the international community.
Prerequisites: LAW1000 or equivalent