Human Rights Protection in the UK

 

This module examines the role and impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 from different perspectives: governmental, judicial, parliamentary, academic and rights activist.

The initial seminars focus generally on rights constitutionalism and litigation, with particular reference to the role of judges and the devolution of power within the UK. Case studies on the media, sex offenders, rape trials, Scottish prisoner litigation and Northern Irish abortion law are then explored in order to assess the uses of rights discourse in different jurisdictions and contexts.

While highlighting the variety of judicial approaches to resolving rights conflicts and the diversity of legal/political cultures, the module also aims more generally to encourage critical reflection on human rights law and practice throughout the UK.