557 International Human Rights Law (Reif)

LAW557

International Human Rights Law

(Reif)

Prerequisite courses:

Prerequisite for:

Instructor(s): Professor Linda C. Reif

Course credit: 3

Method of presentation: Lecture/Seminar 

METHOD OF EVALUATION

The primary method of evaluation in this course is a research paper worth 70% of the Grade.

The remainder of the grade in the course will be made up of: research paper outline worth 10% of the grade, student seminar presentation worth 10% of the grade, and class participation worth 10% of the grade.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

International human rights law is implicated in events that occur in Canada as well as in countries around the world.  In various countries, the right to life, the prohibition against torture and the right to freedom of religion and belief are violated, prison conditions are appalling and women’s rights are not respected.  In Canada, for example, the rights of Indigenous peoples and the rights of children are areas of current concern.  This course will survey core areas of international human rights law.  Canadian international human rights law obligations and issues will be highlighted.  You do not need to have taken Public International Law before enrolling in this course.  

The major part of the course will be composed of lectures, documentaries and class discussion.  The remainder of the course will be devoted to student seminar presentations on their research papers which cover international human rights law topics.  Information on research paper writing techniques and on conducting international law research will also be provided at the end of the first month to enable students to enhance their legal research and writing skills through the research paper method of evaluation.  The seminars are designed to enhance public presentations skills and refine final drafts of the papers. 

The lecture topics will cover:

1)   Introduction to international law and international human rights law;

2)   UN system: civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights;

3)   UN system: women’s rights;

4)   UN system: children’s rights;

5)   European human rights system;

6)   Inter-American human rights system;

7)   Domestic implementation: constitutions, courts, national human rights institutions (NHRIs); and

8)   Transitional justice. 

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2023-24. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY)

International Human Rights Law materials book (primary sources) and TWEN syllabus/reading list (with links to selected readings).