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Program Objectives:

First Semester Objectives:

 

This course focuses on the intersection of litigation strategies in human rights law and the ethical principles derived from divine law. Students will engage with case law, case studies, and role-play simulations to develop practical skills in human rights advocacy while understanding the moral and ethical dimensions of their work.

  • Develop advanced litigation skills specific to human rights cases.

  • Integrate principles of divine law with human rights advocacy.

  • Analyze and apply case law in human rights litigation.

  • Engage in role-play simulations to practice real-world litigation scenarios.

  • Enhance critical thinking and ethical decision-making in the context of human rights law.

Second Semester Objectives

 

This postgraduate course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in human rights litigation, with a special focus on the intersection of secular and divine law. The curriculum includes mock trials, case law analysis, jurisdictional issues, and the application of divine law in human rights trials. The course spans one semester.

Practical Application:

  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios through workshops, case studies, and real-life applications.

  • Gain hands-on experience in human rights advocacy through clinical work and supervised practice.

Realistic Courtroom Experience:

  • Provides a simulated environment that mirrors real-life court proceedings.

  • Allows students to experience the dynamics of a courtroom, including direct and cross-examination of witnesses, objections, and delivering opening and closing statements.

Skill Development:

  • Enhances critical thinking and analytical skills through case preparation and argument formulation.

  • Improves public speaking and oral advocacy skills by practicing in front of peers and instructors.

  • Refines legal writing skills through the preparation of briefs, motions, and other court documents.

Feedback and Improvement:

  • Offers immediate feedback from instructors and peers, enabling continuous improvement.

  • Encourages self-reflection and critical assessment of one’s own performance.

Confidence Building:

  • Builds confidence in handling court procedures and interacting with judges and opposing counsel.

  • Reduces anxiety and increases preparedness for actual litigation through repeated practice.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

  • Fosters collaboration among students, as they work in teams to prepare and present cases.

  • Develops leadership and teamwork skills essential for legal practice.

Application of Theoretical Knowledge:

  • Bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

  • Allows students to apply legal principles and divine law concepts in a practical, hands-on setting.

Course Structure

1st Semester

The course is divided into weekly modules over a 15-week semester, comprising lectures, case studies, role-play simulations, and assessments.

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Week 1: Introduction to Human Rights Litigation and Divine Law

  • Overview of human rights law and its enforcement mechanisms.

  • Introduction to divine law principles from various religious traditions.

  • Key ethical issues in human rights litigation.

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Week 2: International Human Rights Frameworks

  • Study of key international human rights treaties and conventions.

  • Role of international bodies such as the UN, ICC, and regional courts.

  • Case study: Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo (International Criminal Court).

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Week 3: Domestic Human Rights Litigation

  • Overview of domestic human rights laws and constitutional protections.

  • Interaction between international and domestic human rights laws.

  • Case law: Brown v. Board of Education (U.S. Supreme Court).

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Week 4: Ethical Advocacy and Divine Law

  • Examination of divine law principles relevant to human rights.

  • Ethical challenges in human rights litigation.

  • Role-play simulation: Addressing an ethical dilemma in a human rights case.

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Week 5: Strategic Human Rights Litigation

  • Techniques for strategic litigation in human rights cases.

  • Case study: Strategic litigation for LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Role-play simulation: Developing a litigation strategy for a human rights case.

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Week 6: Evidence and Documentation in Human Rights Cases

  • Gathering and presenting evidence in human rights litigation.

  • Use of forensic and documentary evidence.

  • Case study: The case of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo (International Criminal Court).

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Week 7: Intersectionality in Human Rights Litigation

  • Understanding intersectionality and its impact on human rights cases.

  • Case law: Intersectional analysis in discrimination cases.

  • Role-play simulation: Litigating a case involving multiple forms of discrimination.

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Week 8: Refugee and Asylum Law

  • Legal protections for refugees and asylum seekers.

  • Case law: Matter of A-R-C-G- et al. (U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals).

  • Role-play simulation: Representing an asylum seeker in court.

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Week 9: Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

  • Litigation strategies for economic, social, and cultural rights.

  • Case study: SERAP v. Nigeria (ECOWAS Court).

  • Role-play simulation: Advocating for the right to education.

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Week 10: Gender and Human Rights Litigation

  • Legal challenges in gender-based human rights cases.

  • Case law: Gonzales v. USA (Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).

  • Role-play simulation: Litigating a gender-based violence case.

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Week 11: Environmental Human Rights

  • Human rights implications of environmental degradation.

  • Case study: Urgenda Foundation v. State of the Netherlands (Dutch Supreme Court).

  • Role-play simulation: Litigating a case on the right to a healthy environment.

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Week 12: Capstone Role-Play Simulation and Reflection

  • Comprehensive role-play simulation: Students will be divided into teams to litigate a complex human rights case involving multiple issues and ethical considerations.

  • Reflection on the integration of divine law principles in litigation practice.

  • Final assessment and course wrap-up.

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Assessments:

  • Case Law Analysis (20%):

    • Students will write an analysis of a landmark human rights case, examining its legal and ethical implications.

  • Role-Play Participation (30%):

    • Active participation in role-play simulations, demonstrating practical skills and ethical decision-making.

  • Research Paper (30%):

    • A research paper on a topic related to human rights litigation and divine law, integrating course concepts and case studies.

  • Final Capstone Simulation (20%):

    • Performance in the final comprehensive role-play simulation, including preparation, litigation strategy, and ethical considerations.

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Learning Resources:

  • Textbooks:

    • "International Human Rights Law" by Rhona K.M. Smith

    • "Litigating Human Rights" by Jenny S. Martinez

    • "Divine Law and Human Rights: Studies on Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Traditions" edited by David Little

  • Case Law Databases:

    • International Criminal Court (ICC) Cases

    • United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies

    • Domestic and Regional Human Rights Case Law Databases

  • Supplementary Readings:

    • Selected articles and book chapters on ethical advocacy, strategic litigation, and divine law.

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This course aims to provide a rigorous and practical education in human rights litigation, enriched by the ethical and moral perspectives of divine law. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through case studies and role-play simulations, students will be well-prepared to lead and advocate effectively for human rights in diverse contexts.

2nd Semester

Duration

  • Weeks: 15 weeks

  • Clock Hours: 45 hours (3 hours per week)

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Weekly Breakdown

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Week 1: Introduction to Human Rights Advocacy and Divine Law

  • Topics: Overview of human rights advocacy; Introduction to divine law principles.

  • Activities: Lecture, assigned readings, discussion.

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Week 2: Foundations of Litigation

  • Topics: Legal procedures in human rights litigation; Comparative analysis of secular and divine law.

  • Activities: Lecture, case study analysis.

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Week 3: Jurisdictional Issues in Human Rights Cases

  • Topics: Understanding jurisdiction; Jurisdictional challenges in international human rights cases.

  • Activities: Lecture, analysis of landmark cases.

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Week 4: Research and Legal Writing

  • Topics: Effective legal research techniques; Writing legal briefs.

  • Activities: Workshop, research exercises, brief writing practice.

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Week 5: Case Law Analysis

  • Topics: Analysis of significant human rights cases; Application of legal precedents.

  • Activities: Group discussions, case presentations.

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Week 6: Divine Law and Human Rights

  • Topics: Interpretation of divine law in the context of human rights; Case studies.

  • Activities: Lecture, analysis of divine law texts.

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Week 7: Mock Trial Preparation

  • Topics: Role assignments; Trial preparation.

  • Activities: Group work, mock trial planning.

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Week 8: Mock Trials I

  • Topics: Conducting mock trials; Role-playing as attorneys, judges, and jurors.

  • Activities: Mock trial sessions, feedback sessions.

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Week 9: Midterm Review and Assessment

  • Topics: Review of key concepts; Midterm examination.

  • Activities: Revision sessions, written exam.

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Week 10: Jurisdiction Issues in Divine Law

  • Topics: Jurisdiction in cases involving divine law; Comparative analysis.

  • Activities: Lecture, jurisdiction case studies.

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Week 11: Advanced Case Law Analysis

  • Topics: In-depth analysis of complex cases; Application of both secular and divine law.

  • Activities: Group discussions, presentations.

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Week 12: Integration of Divine Law in Litigation

  • Topics: Strategies for integrating divine law in human rights litigation.

  • Activities: Lecture, strategic exercises.

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Week 13: Mock Trials II

  • Topics: Advanced mock trial sessions focusing on complex cases.

  • Activities: Mock trial sessions, peer reviews.

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Week 14: Ethical Issues in Human Rights Advocacy

  • Topics: Ethical dilemmas in litigation; Balancing secular and divine law principles.

  • Activities: Lecture, case study analysis.

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Week 15: Final Review and Assessments

  • Topics: Comprehensive review; Final examination and project presentations.

  • Activities: Review sessions, final exam, project presentations.

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Resources and References

  • Textbooks:

    • "Human Rights Law" by David Weissbrodt.

    • "Divine Law and Human Nature" by Jean Porter.

  • Legal Databases:

    • LexisNexis

    • Westlaw

  • Case Law Compilations:

    • International Human Rights Reports

    • Casebook on International Human Rights Law by Oxford University Press.

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Assessment Methods

  • Participation: 10%

  • Case Study Analyses: 20%

  • Mock Trials: 30%

  • Midterm Exam: 20%

  • Final Exam/Project: 20%

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This comprehensive course structure ensures that students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for effective human rights advocacy and the nuanced application of divine law in legal contexts.

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