The course aims at:
a) acquainting students with basic institutes, concepts and branches of the system of human rights protection in Europe (knowledge),
b) making students understand the relationship between international, European and national law (knowledge),
c) training students in reading international treaties and case-law of the ECtHR and (quasi)-judicial bodies (skills)
d) training students in legal argumentation in the area of human rights protection (skills)
e) training moot court and presentation skills applying all the knowledge ana the skills obtained
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the European System of Human Rights Protection, focusing on key institutions, legal framework, and case-law analysis. Students will explore the historical development, operational mechanisms, and contemporary challenges of human rights in Europe, particularly through the lens of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The course is to be taught by means of weekly lectures which are organized in blocks of inter-related topics.
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
The course aims at:
a) acquainting students with basic institutes, concepts and branches of the system of human rights protection in Europe (knowledge),
b) making students understand the relationship between international, European and national law (knowledge),
c) training students in reading international treaties and case-law of the ECtHR and (quasi)-judicial bodies (skills)
d) training students in legal argumentation in the area of human rights protection (skills)
e) training moot court and presentation skills applying all the knowledge ana the skills obtained
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the European System of Human Rights Protection, focusing on key institutions, legal framework, and case-law analysis. Students will explore the historical development, operational mechanisms, and contemporary challenges of human rights in Europe, particularly through the lens of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The course is to be taught by means of weekly lectures which are organized in blocks of inter-related topics.
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
Požadavky ke zkoušce -
Grading Breakdown
Attendance and Participation: 15%
In-Class Presentation: 40%
Short Essay: 45%
1. Attendance and Participation (15%)
Minimum Attendance: A minimum attendance rate of 70% of all scheduled lectures and/or seminars is mandatory to be eligible for a passing grade in this subject.
Attendance Tracking: Attendance will be recorded using sign-in sheets. It is your responsibility to ensure your attendance is accurately recorded.
Participation in Class: Active participation in class discussions, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing to group activities will be highly regarded. While attendance is a base requirement, it's expected students actively take part during lectures.
2. In-Class Presentation (40%)
Topic Selection: You will be required to prepare and deliver a presentation on a topic relevant to the subject matter. A list of potential topics will be provided by the Professor. You may also propose your own topic, subject to the approval of the lecturer.
Presentation Content: The presentation should:
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the selected topic.
Present information in a clear, concise, and organised manner.
Incorporate relevant examples and illustrations.
Cite sources appropriately.
Adhere to the presentation time allocated.
Presentation Format: Presentations can be delivered using e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi, whiteboard, etc. You are encouraged to use a Pecha Kucha style presentation, or one that utilizes visual aids effectively to support your presentation.
Assessment Criteria: Your presentation will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content (40%): Depth of knowledge, accuracy, and relevance to the subject.
Organisation and Clarity (25%): Structure, logical flow, and ease of understanding.
Delivery (25%): Presentation skills (e.g., voice projection, eye contact, engagement with the audience, handling of questions).
Visual Aids (10%): Effectiveness and appropriateness of visual aids.
Practice: Students are highly encouraged to practice their presentations prior to the scheduled date to ensure a smooth and engaging delivery.
3. Short Essay (45%)
Essay Topic: You will be required to write a short essay on a topic related to the course material. The topic should be selected from a list provided or chosen by the student.
Essay Length: The essay should be up to 1000 words. Excessive deviation from the word count may affect your grade.
Essay Content: The essay should:
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Present a clear and focused argument or analysis.
Support claims with evidence from relevant sources (including course materials).
Cite sources appropriately.
Adhere to academic writing standards, including clear and concise language, proper grammar, and logical organization.
Assessment Criteria: Your essay will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content and Argument (40%): Understanding of the subject, quality of argument, analysis, critical thinking.
Structure and Organization (25%): Clarity, logical flow, coherence.
Evidence and Support (20%): Use of evidence, accuracy of information, effective use of sources.
Writing Style and Mechanics (15%): Clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and adherence to the citation style.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will result in severe penalties, including a failing grade for the assignment or the entire subject. All sources must be properly cited. [Provide specific details on the institution's plagiarism policy or a link to it.]
All work submitted for assessment must be your own original work. Any instance of plagiarism, collusion, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
Grading Breakdown
Attendance and Participation: 15%
In-Class Presentation: 40%
Short Essay: 45%
1. Attendance and Participation (15%)
Minimum Attendance: A minimum attendance rate of 70% of all scheduled lectures and/or seminars is mandatory to be eligible for a passing grade in this subject.
Attendance Tracking: Attendance will be recorded using sign-in sheets. It is your responsibility to ensure your attendance is accurately recorded.
Participation in Class: Active participation in class discussions, asking thoughtful questions, and contributing to group activities will be highly regarded. While attendance is a base requirement, it's expected students actively take part during lectures.
2. In-Class Presentation (40%)
Topic Selection: You will be required to prepare and deliver a presentation on a topic relevant to the subject matter. A list of potential topics will be provided by the Professor. You may also propose your own topic, subject to the approval of the lecturer.
Presentation Content: The presentation should:
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the selected topic.
Present information in a clear, concise, and organised manner.
Incorporate relevant examples and illustrations.
Cite sources appropriately.
Adhere to the presentation time allocated.
Presentation Format: Presentations can be delivered using e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi, whiteboard, etc. You are encouraged to use a Pecha Kucha style presentation, or one that utilizes visual aids effectively to support your presentation.
Assessment Criteria: Your presentation will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content (40%): Depth of knowledge, accuracy, and relevance to the subject.
Organisation and Clarity (25%): Structure, logical flow, and ease of understanding.
Delivery (25%): Presentation skills (e.g., voice projection, eye contact, engagement with the audience, handling of questions).
Visual Aids (10%): Effectiveness and appropriateness of visual aids.
Practice: Students are highly encouraged to practice their presentations prior to the scheduled date to ensure a smooth and engaging delivery.
3. Short Essay (45%)
Essay Topic: You will be required to write a short essay on a topic related to the course material. The topic should be selected from a list provided or chosen by the student.
Essay Length: The essay should be up to 1000 words. Excessive deviation from the word count may affect your grade.
Essay Content: The essay should:
Demonstrate a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Present a clear and focused argument or analysis.
Support claims with evidence from relevant sources (including course materials).
Cite sources appropriately.
Adhere to academic writing standards, including clear and concise language, proper grammar, and logical organization.
Assessment Criteria: Your essay will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content and Argument (40%): Understanding of the subject, quality of argument, analysis, critical thinking.
Structure and Organization (25%): Clarity, logical flow, coherence.
Evidence and Support (20%): Use of evidence, accuracy of information, effective use of sources.
Writing Style and Mechanics (15%): Clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and adherence to the citation style.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and will result in severe penalties, including a failing grade for the assignment or the entire subject. All sources must be properly cited. [Provide specific details on the institution's plagiarism policy or a link to it.]
All work submitted for assessment must be your own original work. Any instance of plagiarism, collusion, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
Sylabus -
The course covers primarily the following topics:
Week 1: Introduction to Human Rights in Europe
· Definition and concepts of human rights
· Historical context of human rights in Europe
· Overview of European human rights organisations: EU, OSCE and CoE
Week 2: Protection of Human Rights in European Union
· Development and adoption of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (CFREU)
· Key principles and rights enshrined in the (CFREU)
· The relationship between the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the ECHR
Week 3: Protection of Human Rights in the Council of Europe
· CoE human rights treaties and bodies
· Areas of human rights protection within the CoE
· CoE role of the in human rights protection
Week 4: The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
· Development and adoption of the ECHR
· Structure and function of the ECtHR
· Procedure for lodging application with the ECtHR
· The role of the ECtHR’s registry and judges
Week 5: Procedural guarantees under the ECHR
· Right to a fair trial (Article 6)
· Right not to be punished for something that wasn’t against the law at the time (Article 7)
· Right to an effective remedy (Article 13)
Week 6: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR I
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 7: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR II
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 8: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR III
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 9: The Czech Government and the Protection of Human Rights
· Overview of the Czech legal framework for human rights protection
· Analysis of Czech legislation and policies pertinent to human rights
· Case studies of significant human rights issues in the Czech Republic
Week 10: Human Rights of Business Entities under the ECHR
· Definition and significance of legal persons (e.g., companies, NGOs) protection
· Victim status of businesses
· Provisions of the ECHR applicable to business entities
Week 11: Enforcement Mechanisms and Compliance
· How the ECtHR judgements are enforced
· State obligations under the ECHR
· The role of the Committee of Ministers in ensuring compliance
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
The course covers primarily the following topics:
Week 1: Introduction to Human Rights in Europe
· Definition and concepts of human rights
· Historical context of human rights in Europe
· Overview of European human rights organisations: EU, OSCE and CoE
Week 2: Protection of Human Rights in European Union
· Development and adoption of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (CFREU)
· Key principles and rights enshrined in the (CFREU)
· The relationship between the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the ECHR
Week 3: Protection of Human Rights in the Council of Europe
· CoE human rights treaties and bodies
· Areas of human rights protection within the CoE
· CoE role of the in human rights protection
Week 4: The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
· Development and adoption of the ECHR
· Structure and function of the ECtHR
· Procedure for lodging application with the ECtHR
· The role of the ECtHR’s registry and judges
Week 5: Procedural guarantees under the ECHR
· Right to a fair trial (Article 6)
· Right not to be punished for something that wasn’t against the law at the time (Article 7)
· Right to an effective remedy (Article 13)
Week 6: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR I
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 7: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR II
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 8: Key Rights and Freedoms under the ECHR III
· Overview of the key provision (s)
· Application and interpretation of these rights in ECtHR case-law
· Czech practice
Week 9: The Czech Government and the Protection of Human Rights
· Overview of the Czech legal framework for human rights protection
· Analysis of Czech legislation and policies pertinent to human rights
· Case studies of significant human rights issues in the Czech Republic
Week 10: Human Rights of Business Entities under the ECHR
· Definition and significance of legal persons (e.g., companies, NGOs) protection
· Victim status of businesses
· Provisions of the ECHR applicable to business entities
Week 11: Enforcement Mechanisms and Compliance
· How the ECtHR judgements are enforced
· State obligations under the ECHR
· The role of the Committee of Ministers in ensuring compliance
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
Studijní opory -
Basic literature:
1. Ronald Macdonald, F. Matscher, H. Petzold. The European System for The Protection of Human Rights. (2024). Netherlands: Brill.
2. Tymofeyeva, A. et al. European Court of Human Rights in Action. (2021). Czech Republic: Charles University, Faculty of Law, International Law Department.
Other literature:
1. Handbook on the European Convention on Human Rights / Villiger, Mark E. - Leiden ; Boston : Brill Nijhoff, 2023.
2. Law of the European Convention on Human Rights / David Harris, Michael O'Boyle, Ed Bates, and Carla Buckley. - 5th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2023.
3. A practitioner's guide to the European Convention on Human Rights / Karen Reid. - 7th ed. - London : Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters, 2023.
Basic legislation (always in wording in force and effect as on the date of examination):
1. European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 005)
2. Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
3. Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225)
4. European Social Charter (revised) (ETS No. 163)
5. Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (ETS No. 157)
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
Basic literature:
1. Ronald Macdonald, F. Matscher, H. Petzold. The European System for The Protection of Human Rights. (2024). Netherlands: Brill.
2. Tymofeyeva, A. et al. European Court of Human Rights in Action. (2021). Czech Republic: Charles University, Faculty of Law, International Law Department.
Other literature:
1. Handbook on the European Convention on Human Rights / Villiger, Mark E. - Leiden ; Boston : Brill Nijhoff, 2023.
2. Law of the European Convention on Human Rights / David Harris, Michael O'Boyle, Ed Bates, and Carla Buckley. - 5th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2023.
3. A practitioner's guide to the European Convention on Human Rights / Karen Reid. - 7th ed. - London : Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters, 2023.
Basic legislation (always in wording in force and effect as on the date of examination):
1. European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 005)
2. Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
3. Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225)
4. European Social Charter (revised) (ETS No. 163)
5. Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (ETS No. 157)
Poslední úprava: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
