Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, a diligent student should be able to:
a) Describe and evaluate the individual complaint procedure provided for in the ECHR;
b) Engage with debates on the challenges facing the ECtHR;
c) Consider the effect of the ECHR in the national legal system and at the international level;
d) Critically analyse the methodology and jurisprudence of the ECtHR in relation to a range of substantive rights; and,
e) Distinguish, apply and critique the case law of the ECtHR.
The diligent student should also be able to study using appropriate technological means including Brightspace.
Indicative Module Content:
• Introduction to the ECHR
[overview of the origins, history and content of the ECHR, review of the procedure by which cases are processed by the ECtHR]
• Aspects of the Right to Life (Article 2)
[How has the concept of ‘life’ been interpreted by the ECtHR? Since there is a right to life, does that extend to allowing a person choice over when their life will end? What responsibility, if any, does a contracting state have to protect individuals from other private actors [positive obligations? How has the ECtHR approached the interpretation of Article 2(2), as regards the limited situations whereby the deprivation of life is recognised?]
• Aspects of Freedom from Torture, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Article 3)
[Meaning of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment; the absolute nature of Article 3 ECHR; positive obligations upon States to prevent Article 3 ECHR violations]
• The Right to Liberty and Security of the Person (Article 5) &to a Fair Trial (Article 6) [The scope of the protection under Article 5 ECHR, in particular the meaning of ‘deprivation of liberty’ and ‘arbitrary detention’; the scope of Art 6 (1); the different guarantees in criminal and non-criminal cases, including the right of access to court; special guarantees in criminal trials, the right to be presumed innocent in particular]
• Aspects of Freedom of Expression (Article 10) [Examining the scope of the protection under Article 10 ECHR in particular the different means of expression protected; and, through case studies, how the ECtHR has assessed the limitations on freedom of expression; examination of two particular areas: cases about hate speech, and cases about whistle-blowers]
• Aspects of Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion (Article 9) [Examining the scope of the protection under Article 9 ECHR, in particular : Who is protected? What is protected? (i.e., definition of religion or belief); through case studies, exploring the issues caused by manifesting religion or belief (i.e. proper v. improper proselytism)]
• Implementation of the ECHR in a comparative perspective [Reviewing aspects of international law (i.e., monism and dualism); examining the reception of the ECHR in various constitutional legal orders: Ireland (ECHR Act 2003); UK (HRA 1998); France (ratification of the ECHR in 1974); other jurisdictions; exploring the wider debate about the relevance of the ECHR system and the recent developments as regards the reform of the ECtHR in particular].
This module content is indicative and is susceptible to change depending on the size of the class and circumstances during the trimester. Also, guest speakers specialised in the ECHR system or in human rights generally may be invited to deliver a guest seminar as part of the trimester schedule.