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Présentation
No pre-requisites or co-requisites
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal and human rights issues faced by Romani communities.
- Analyze the different legal avenues available for advocating Roma rights.
- Examine landmark cases related to Roma rights litigation.
- Develop practical skills for building and presenting legal arguments in support of Roma rights.
- Explore the intersectionality of Roma rights issues in the context of litigation.
This course examines the role of litigation in advancing Roma rights and combating discrimination. Students will gain an understanding of the legal frameworks and mechanisms available to protect the human rights of Romani communities. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will learn about the challenges and opportunities in using litigation to address socio-economic disparities, discrimination, and promote social justice for Romani populations.
Assessment
The final grade is based on
- class participation [up to 20%]
- short written assignments [30%], and
- moot court and group work [50%]
1. Class participation (up to 20% of the final grade) holds significant value, with attendance being of utmost importance. Students are required to complete the assigned readings prior to each class and come prepared for engaging in discussions during the session.
2. All short written assignments [30%] shall be in an essay format (unless otherwise indicated) and shall be based on individual work. Rules of academic honesty duly apply; violation of any of the rules results in a fail for the assignment. Students are advised to read the assigned readings for the respective class before starting to work on their written submission.
Class sessions will encompass written assignments, affording students the autonomy to select and complete two written assignments max. 500 words of their preference chosen from the list below. All written assignments shall be submitted through the course’s E-learning site latest by 12 December 2023; late submissions will not be considered.
Essay topics:
- Comparative Analysis of Landmark Cases: Choose two landmark Roma rights litigation cases from different jurisdictions and compare the legal arguments, court decisions, and impact on Roma communities.
- Role of Intersectionality in Roma Rights Litigation: Discuss how intersectionality (e.g., gender, ethnicity, age) influences legal strategies and outcomes in Roma rights litigation, using specific case examples.
- Legal Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Examine the role of legal empowerment initiatives in enhancing access to justice for Roma communities and addressing socio-economic disparities.
- Ethical Dilemmas in Roma Rights Litigation: Explore ethical considerations faced by lawyers and advocates in Roma rights litigation, especially when representing marginalized communities.
- Effectiveness of Impact Litigation: Evaluate the effectiveness of impact litigation in achieving systemic change for Roma rights, citing cases that have led to policy reforms or social transformation.
- Roma Rights Litigation and European Human Rights Mechanisms: Analyze the role of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and other regional mechanisms in advancing Roma rights, considering challenges and successes.
- Addressing Educational Inequalities: Discuss the legal strategies and challenges in litigating for equal educational opportunities for Roma children, citing relevant court cases.
- Housing Rights and Forced Evictions: Examine the role of litigation in protecting Roma communities from housing discrimination and forced evictions, with a focus on recent legal developments.
- Advocacy and Litigation Synergy: Explore the complementary nature of advocacy and litigation in promoting Roma rights, using examples where litigation amplified advocacy efforts.
- Challenges in Translating Legal Victories to Social Change: Examine the hurdles and strategies involved in translating legal victories into meaningful social change and improved rights for Roma communities.
- Roma Rights Litigation and Media Influence: Analyze the role of media coverage and public perception in shaping Roma rights litigation outcomes, discussing instances of media impact.
- The Role of International Organizations: Investig
Modalités
Teaching Method: Active Participation and Practical Exercises
In this course on Roma rights litigation, the teaching methodology places a strong emphasis on active participation and engaging practical exercises to enhance students' understanding and application of the subject matter. Through a dynamic and hands-on approach, students will actively participate in their own learning process, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Students will be encouraged to actively contribute to class discussions, share their perspectives, and ask questions and they will have the opportunity to engage with their peers and the instructors fostering collaborative learning.
Practical Exercises:
Through carefully designed exercises, students will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, simulating the challenges that arise in Roma rights litigation. These exercises may include:
Case Analysis: Students will analyze landmark legal cases related to Roma rights litigation, examining the legal arguments presented, the court's decisions, and the broader implications for Roma communities.
Moot court exercise: Students will participate in moot court simulations, where they will assume roles as lawyers or advocates representing Roma litigants.
Group Discussions and Debates: Group discussions and debates on controversial or complex topics related to Roma rights litigation encourage critical analysis, argumentation, and the exploration of ethical considerations.
By engaging actively and participating in practical exercises, students will not only grasp the theoretical underpinnings of Roma rights litigation but also gain the skills and confidence needed to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of Roma rights through legal avenues.