L. Fletch*r

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International Human Rights Seminar (L. Fletch*r, R. Alth*lz)

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in both the clinic and the seminar. Prior enrollment in International Human Rights Law or its equivalent is preferred.

The International Human Rights Law Clinic allows students to design and implement creative solutions to improve the lives of human rights abuse victims. Students work on innovative human rights projects that advance the struggle for justice on behalf of individuals and marginalized communities that have been the targets of repression and violence. In addition, they may prepare and conduct litigation before national and international judicial forums concerning human rights violations. They also may engage in interdisciplinary empirical studies of the impact of human rights abuses—research that aims to achieve policy outcomes.

Enrollment is limited to 6-8 students who have obtained permission of the instructor. Please obtain the application for the clinic (available from the Registrar’s Office) and to the Registrar’s Office.

In addition to the clinical work, clinic students enroll and participate in a seminar that provides a bridge between legal theory and practice. The International Human Rights Clinic Seminar is a 2-unit course devoted to substantive legal training and provides the opportunity for peer feedback and critique on cases and projects. The course also offers a critical reflection on the lawyer's role in human rights advocacy. In addition to the weekly seminar, students meet at least once a week with faculty members in supervision sessions to discuss case progress and strategy. Enrollment is limited to participants in the International Human Rights Clinic. All students must have permission of the instructor to enroll.

International Human Rights Law, (L. Fletch*r)

This class will provide an introduction to the law and institutional mechanisms for the protection of international human rights. The class will examine the theory and history of the field (briefly), before turning to study the international and regional human rights treaties and their enforcement mechanisms. Non-treaty mechanisms and the role of non-governmental organizations will also be covered. The class will touch on some of the following procedural channels for implementing human rights: on-site observation and fact-finding, state reporting, individual complaints, emergency procedures, state v. state complaints, litigation in domestic courts, public discourse in international forums, international criminal prosecution and truth commissions, procedures for compensating victims, etc. The class will also address the use of international human rights standards in United States courts. The class will be conducted through lectures, speakers, problems for discussion, small group discussions, role playing exercises, etc. No prerequisites, although a background in international law is helpful.

Exam Notes: F