Handbook

This course examines the operation of human rights law in practice in international, regional and domestic U.S. and Australian contexts. Based in New York, the course draws together leading U.S. and international human rights lawyers to provide cutting-edge case studies from U.S. courts, regional human rights commissions and the UN system. It also provides students with doctrinal foundations in international human rights law and its incorporation into domestic law, as well as an introduction to the U.S. Bill of Rights and civil rights law. The course includes case studies on current human rights issues relevant to both countries. It encourages students to critically reflect on the efficacy of key institutions, actors and strategies to promote and protect human rights at home and abroad. The program will include (subject to availability) field visits to the United Nations and other cultural institutions.

Main Topics

• Introduction to international human rights law, institutions and enforcement mechanisms (including UN field visit)
• Regional human rights frameworks, with a focus on the Inter-American system
• The US Bill of Rights and civil rights law
• Incorporation of international human rights law in domestic legal systems –Australian and US perspectives
• Human rights advocacy and accountability – the role of civil society, national human rights institutions, and other national and international actors
• Contemporary case studies that will vary and may include a focus on migration; national security; social and economic rights; and Indigenous rights.