International Human Rights Law

3 units

This course is an essential introduction to international human rights, a critically important area of international law and practice, not only for public interest lawyers, but for the growing field of corporate social responsibility. The course will include a brief introduction to core principles of the international legal system and the role of the United Nations to make sure that everyone is starting from the same vantage point; and will explore the cases emanating from regional human rights systems including the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court and Commission of Human Rights and the African Commission and Court of Justice and Human Rights . We will cover many topics: U.S. slavery and the slave trade; freedom of the press; religious freedom; women’s rights; indigenous rights; genocide; torture; and enforced disappearances. The readings will contain legal documents (treaties, executive orders, cases, etc.) as well as nontraditional materials such as human rights reports, newspaper articles, and political science essays. Students will work together in groups to do a pass/fail presentation on a human rights problem of their choice, and guest lectures will enhance the practical dimensions of the course. There are no prerequisites or corequisites. The final will be a three-hour open book (but closed software) exam. The use of laptops and other electronic devices is not allowed in class without special permission from the instructor. Attendance and participation are required. [BCCCR Requirement: this course contains 5 or more hours of BCCCR instruction.]