INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW SYLLABUS
Professor Ved Nanda
Fall Semester 2013 Wed. 2:45-5:15 p.m. Room
I warmly welcome you to international human rights (IHR) law, a dramatic addition to the international law discipline, which has transformed the status of the individual and the remedies available in both the domestic and international arenas. Egregious violations of human rights can no longer be tolerated, for no state can invoke the doctrine of sovereignty to justify such violations. The course book is Ralph Steinhardt, et al., International Human Rights Lawyering -- Cases and Materials (West 2009) (“RS”). The documentary supplement is not necessary. Additional weekly readings (not more than a couple of law review articles) will be sent by email and posted on Blackboard.
Overview
This course is an introduction to the norms, institutions, and processes (NIPs) of IHR law. The focus of the class is on implementation and enforcement of internationally accepted norms. While studying the applicable norms, institutions, and processes, we will pay special attention to the role of the United Nations and regional organizations.
In addition to the materials in the coursebook, we will discuss a few selected areas, such as women’s rights; children’s rights; minority rights; rights of indigenous peoples; human trafficking; human rights and the environment; migration; corporate social responsibility; the law applicable to refugees and internally displaced persons; the Responsibility to Protect; and possibly others, depending on your interests.
Requirements:
Regular class attendance and participation are required. I expect you not to miss any class and if there is an unavoidable conflict please let me know beforehand. Please give me a note before class if you are not prepared to participate in that day’s discussions. Such a note will not affect your grade in any way.
A research paper or a written exam is required. I will discuss the requirements with you during the first class. The paper will be due the last scheduled day of exams.
We will also draft three petitions to the United Nations, the European Union, and the U.S. Senate. We will select the choices during our first class.
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Please contact me if you have any questions. My office is in the Law School building (407C). The telephone number is 303 871-6276 (Law School); 303 377-6438 (home) - don’t hesitate to call if needed. My emails are: and (home).
ADVANCE ASSIGNMENT
For Class August 21:
RS, The Idea of International Human Rights Law, pp. 1-32; Nanda, McDougal piece -- sent by email and posted on Blackboard
SYLLABUS
August 21: Introduction to the Course; requirements; decision on petitions; general discussion;
Discussion on advance assignment
August 28: RS, International Humanitarian Law in a Post 9/11 World: pp. 1110-1138; handouts
September 4: RS, Using International Human Rights Law in Domestic Criminal Prosecutions:
pp. 212-252; handouts
September 11: This is the first session for which Korbel students will join us. Law students will arrive at 4:00. International Criminal Tribunals - From Nuremberg to the Ad Hoc International Criminal Tribunals to the International Criminal Court: RS pp. 373-390; 397-408; plus handouts
September 18: International Criminal Court: RS pp. 417-440;
Regional Systems for the Protection of Human Rights -- The European System: RS pp.442-478; plus handouts
September 25: The Inter-American Human Rights System: RS pp. 507-554; plus handouts
October 2: The African System for the Protection of Human Rights, RS pp. 559-596, 613-617; plus handouts
October 9: Regional Prospects in Asia and the Arab World: RS pp. 630-660; plus handouts;
Review of the Regional Systems
October 16: Multinational Corporations and Human Rights: RS pp. 722-740; Nongovernmental Organizations and Human Rights: RS pp. 849-873; plus handouts
October 23: NGOs cont’d: RS pp. 873-900; plus handouts
October 30: Truth Commissions: RS pp. 996-1031; plus handouts
November 6: Humanitarian Intervention and the Law of War: RS pp. 1064-1116; plus handouts
November 13: The Future of International Human Rights Law -- Human Rights and Environmental Protection: RS pp. 1254-1284; Human Rights and Health RS pp. 1331-1351; plus handouts
November 20: RS, Negotiating Human Rights Treaties: pp. 954-994; plus handouts; Review
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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW:
REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Saturday, November 9, all day (including reception following conference)
International Law & Development –
What Next Following the Millennium Development Goals?