James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

LA1027 - Human Rights Law

Subject Description

Students will study the origin of human rights, the International Bill of Rights, the universality of human rights, the argument for cultural relativism and the international monitoring and enforcement of human rights. In addition, the subject will examine the influence of international human rights instruments on domestic law, the operation of domestic anti-discrimination legislation and human right statutes such as the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 (Cth) and the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld). The assessment is designed to encourage students to develop their statutory interpretation skills, their legal research skills and their writing skills.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and explain the roles of the relevant international human rights bodies
• explain and analyse human rights law as it relates to the rights contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economical, Social and Cultural Rights
• conduct legal research of domestic and international materials
• apply statutory interpretation principles to international and domestic human rights instruments

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Tutorial attendance is mandatory in this subject. A student who fails to attend at least 70% must meet with the Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching and provide evidence as to why he or she should be permitted to sit the final exam or submit the final assessment task.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  LA4027

Availabilities