LAW5365 - Terrorism and human rights - 2019

There has been an intense preoccupation with the need to combat global terrorism since the attacks on the United States in 2001 and the subsequent 'war on terror'. This campaign is multi-faceted and includes police actions, military campaigns and the enactment of harsh anti-terrorism legislation across the world, including Australia, the US and the UK. Global measures have been taken by the United Nation, particularly the UN Security Council. These domestic and international laws, measures and policies have had profound impacts on the enjoyment of human rights, including ramifications for rights such as the right to be free from arbitrary detention, the right to privacy, the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom from torture, and the right to life. Of course, the relevant laws and policies are often justified on the basis of the protection of human rights, such as one's right to be protected from terrorists. The appropriate balance between human rights and liberty on the one hand, and national security and protection from terrorism on the other, is therefore a focus of this course. The compatibility of those aspects of the" war" on terror involving armed conflict with international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict) is also analysed.

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to Terrorism and Human Rights with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning;
• investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to Terrorism and Human Rights;
• conduct research in Terrorism and Human Rights based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods; and
• use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to Terrorism and Human Rights.

Research paper (3,750 words): 50%

Take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

OR

Research paper (7,500 words): 100%

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)