Module description:
This module examines the means, content and limitations of human rights protection at a European level, with particular emphasis on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In the first part of the module, we will look at the background, drafting and ethos of the ECHR and at the rights protected in the Convention and limitations upon those rights. The second, and largest, part of the module will focus upon an in-depth examination of selected Convention rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to respect for private life. In the final part of the module, we will consider the accession of the European Union to the ECHR.
Indicative seminar topics:
- The Background and Ethos of the ECHR
- Limitations to the Convention Rights, including Derogation in Times of Emergency
- The Prohibition of Discrimination
- The Right to Life
- The Prohibition of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- The Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
- The Right to Freedom of Expression
- The Right to Respect for Private Life
- The Right to Marry and to Found a Family
- The Right to Education
- EU Fundamental Rights and Accession of the European Union to the ECHR