107 / 216
LAW-2407 Human Rights Protection in Europe (Seminar)
Mr. Daniel Rietiker,
2 credits day; 2 credits evening.
Intersession course.
This seminar offers an introduction to the human rights protection system in Europe that is
unique in many aspects and that has inspired numerous other human rights mechanisms. The
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), administered by the European Court of Human
Rights (ECtHR), will be placed at the center of discussion. The course begins with a general
introduction to the ECtHR, to the protected rights, the special interpretation methods developed
by the ECtHR, the enforcement of its judgments and the ongoing accession of the European
Union (EU) to the ECHR system. Following this introduction, a number of selected topics will
be dealt with through the discussion of concrete cases, focusing on certain particularly vulnerable
groups, such as detainees, minorities, immigrants and refugees, women, children, LGBT and
persons with disabilities. Further discussion will concentrate on other topical issues of modern
society, such as the rights of individuals suspected of being involved in international terrorism
and the protection of individuals and peaceful gatherings against police violence, the protection
against environmental harm and selected questions of freedom of religion, freedom of expression
and the right to private life (privacy).
Class participation will be an important component of this course.
Enrollment is limited: 20
Elective Course
<<Course Updated: March 11, 2016>>