Citizenship and the Rule of Law from Coursera

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Syllabus

A Potted History of the Rule of Law

Welcome to the first week of the course. Week 1 is an overview of the headline debates concerning the Rule of Law and a discussion of how it applies in practice today. You will be taken through a historical account of the development of the principle over time from Aristotle’s first statement of the Rule of Law to the modern work of the Bingham Centre. This teaching session will also serve as an introduction to debates about the requirements of the Rule of Law, i.e. whether it passes judgment on if particular decisions are “good” or “bad” and whether human rights are part of the Rule of Law.

Judges: Independence, Tenure and Appointment

Welcome to the second week of the course. Week 2 will focus on processes for the selection and appointment of judges, the importance of public confidence in the judiciary and the role that judges play in securing the Rule of Law.

What does it mean to be equal before the law?

Welcome to the third week of the course. Week 3 will establish that all must be treated equally before the law. The session will discuss contentious situations in which treating people equally requires that they be treated differently in order to give effect to justice, such as the limited range of sanctions available to criminals convicted as children.

Access to Justice

Welcome to the fourth week of the course. Week 4 looks at a number of other barriers that individuals face in enforcing their legal rights. One of the concepts explored will be ‘legal capability’. This is defined as the knowledge, skills and confidence required to resolve legal problems in life. Students will be presented with a range of initiatives undertaken by civil society to improve legal capability and will produce their own ideas about improving access to justice across the world.

An International Rule of Law

Welcome to the fifth week of the course. Week 5 will introduce students to the international legal order and regional human rights conventions. The week will start with a potted summary of the development of the United Nations. The second portion of session will focus on human rights law. Course leads will discuss universal and regional human rights frameworks including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the American Convention on Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights and speak to examples of non-compliance in respect of each of these and how they are enforced. The course team would like to give special thanks to Hector Tejero Tobed and Iris Anastasiadou for their help in compiling video scripts and content for this week of the course.

Business, Human Rights and the Rule of Law

Welcome to Week Six of the course. Week 6 delves into the Rule of Law questions raised by the potential impacts of business operations on the human rights of their employees, populations of countries they are based in and other community stakeholders. This week will provide a background and history of this new and dynamic area, and describe how all eight of Bingham’s Rule of Law Principles are engaged in this discussion. The session will consider how the three pillars of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are founded on basic principles of the Rule of Law. You will be presented with real-life current examples of how these principles apply in practices. Examples discussed will include: Recent case law which expands traditional legal tests to stay up to date with modern-day cross-border business operations; Calls for and against regulation of the internet, in light of increasing examples of harmful content, privacy breaches and other human rights impacts of tech giants; Discussion of how companies undertake due diligence for human rights in their global supply chains,Presentation of the challenges in this area from a Rule of Law perspective. Rule of Law principles such as access to remedies and legal certainty will be recurring themes. The session will also illustrate some “myth-busting” examples regarding assumptions about the Rule of Law's universality.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores current events and their impact on the Rule of Law, making it highly relevant to today's legal and political landscape

Taught by experts from the Bingham Centre for the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, an organization recognized for its work on the Rule of Law

Covers a comprehensive range of topics related to the Rule of Law, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject

Examines the Rule of Law in the context of international law and regional human rights conventions, adding a global perspective

Provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate the application of the Rule of Law principles in real-world situations

Requires no formal legal or political background, making it accessible to a wide audience

Reviews summary

Rule of law foundations

Learners say this course is largely positive, describing it as insightful and well structured. It covers citizenship and the rule of law with engaging assignments and thought-provoking content that's presented by excellent instructors. Some learners found the readings challenging but rewarding, while others praised the real-world examples and practical focus.

Overall, this course is highly recommended for anyone interested in law, justice, or human rights. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the rule of law and its implications for individuals and societies.

Challenging but rewarding course that requires effort.

"This course is very challenging"

"It was very insightful and it broadened my knowledge"

"The course provides an insight into the issues associated with the rule of law and how it is connected with citizenship."

Well-structured course with a logical progression of topics.

"This course is a well designed one."

"It is a fantastic course. Very informative, very clear and amazingly structured."

"A very interesting course! Well structured with lots of examples from around the world."

Real-world examples and case studies make the course more engaging.

"The relevant contemporary connections were especially appropriate."

"The videos were very interesting so as the references listed to read."

"Each one of the topics was explained in a simple language, that even a person little versed in law can understand them."

Thought-provoking and challenging readings provide depth to the course.

"The readings were very helpful."

"The content of the course is extremely interesting and while the readings can be a bit lengthy sometimes, it is strongly recommended"

"This course has established an excellent context for a beginner, of many pertinent issues for this complex topic."

Excellent instructors provide insight into citizenship and the rule of law.

"The instructors were brilliant."

"I enjoyed the videos and the lecturers were very knowledgeable."

"The professors were really good at explaining the material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Citizenship and the Rule of Law with these activities:

Review Key Legal Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of fundamental legal concepts to strengthen your grasp of the rule of law.

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Review notes and textbooks from previous courses or readings on legal concepts.
Practice answering questions or solving problems related to these concepts.

Compile Resources on the Rule of Law

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Organize and curate a collection of valuable resources to enhance your understanding and stay up-to-date on the rule of law.

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Identify and gather relevant books, articles, websites, and other resources.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or type.
Create a reference list or annotated bibliography that provides summaries and links to the resources.

Understand the Concept of the Rule of Law

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Practice applying the rule of law to real-world scenarios to solidify your understanding.

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Read the provided case study and identify the relevant legal principles involved.
Analyze the facts of the case and determine how the rule of law applies.
Write a brief summary of your findings, explaining the legal reasoning behind your conclusions.

Four other activities

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Participate in a Debate on the Rule of Law

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Engage in discussions with peers to challenge your perspectives and deepen your understanding of the rule of law.

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Prepare arguments and evidence to support your position on a specific topic related to the rule of law.
Actively participate in the debate, listening to others' perspectives and presenting your own.
Reflect on the debate and evaluate your own understanding of the topic.

Explore International Case Law on the Rule of Law

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Gain insights into the application of the rule of law in different jurisdictions and legal systems.

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Select a specific international case or legal instrument related to the rule of law.
Thoroughly read and analyze the case or instrument, paying attention to its reasoning and implications.
Summarize the key findings and insights gained from your analysis.

Develop a Proposal for Strengthening the Rule of Law

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Propose innovative solutions to address threats to the rule of law and enhance its effectiveness.

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Research best practices and case studies of successful initiatives to strengthen the rule of law.
Identify specific areas where the rule of law is under threat or could be improved.
Develop a comprehensive proposal outlining your recommendations for strengthening the rule of law.

Design a Legal Framework for a New Jurisdiction

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Apply your understanding of the rule of law to create a blueprint for a legal framework that ensures justice and equality.

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Research and analyze existing legal frameworks and best practices.
Identify the specific needs and challenges of the new jurisdiction.
Develop a comprehensive legal framework that incorporates the principles of the rule of law.

Career center

Learners who complete Citizenship and the Rule of Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Civil Rights Lawyer

Civil Rights Lawyers enforce the civil rights of individuals who have been discriminated against on the basis of protected characteristics such as nationality, religion, gender, race, and others. This course provides an introduction to the headline issues around the rule of law, many of which impact the work—and clients—of Civil Rights Lawyers. Discussions in this course on the challenges of equal application of the law will prove especially relevant to lawyers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Rights Lawyer

Law Professor

Law Professors teach a variety of legal subjects to students in a post-secondary academic setting. They may also research and write articles and books on legal issues. This course will assist Law Professors in staying up-to-date on recent developments in the field of the rule of law and its impact on today's society. Additionally, sections on judges, access to justice, and the rule of law as applied internationally will provide helpful materials for course design.

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Judge

Judges preside over legal proceedings and make binding decisions on matters before their court. They ensure that the law is applied fairly and impartially and that the rights of all parties are protected. This course may be useful for Judges, especially for those new to the bench, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the rule of law, including discussions on judicial independence, tenure, and appointment; the principle of equality before the law; and access to justice. It also features an international component that may be especially helpful for judges who handle international cases.

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Human Rights Officer

Human Rights Officers work to protect and promote human rights at the local, national, and international levels. They may work for government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or international organizations. This course may be useful for Human Rights Officers, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to human rights. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Human Rights Officers.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who work on issues related to the rule of law. The course provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to human rights and democracy. It also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Policy Analysts who work on these issues.

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International Lawyer

International Lawyers advise clients on legal matters involving more than one country. They may work for law firms, corporations, or international organizations. This course may be useful for International Lawyers, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to international law. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for International Lawyers who work on cross-border transactions or disputes.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that businesses comply with laws and regulations. They may work for a variety of organizations, including financial institutions, healthcare providers, and manufacturers. This course may be useful for Compliance Officers, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to business. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Compliance Officers who work with international clients or businesses.

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Corporate Lawyer

Corporate Lawyers advise businesses on legal matters and help them comply with the law. They may also represent businesses in court. This course may be useful for Corporate Lawyers, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to business. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Corporate Lawyers who work with international clients or businesses.

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Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, and other tasks. They may work in a variety of legal settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporations. This course may be useful for Paralegals, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to the legal profession. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Paralegals who work on international cases.

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Legal Aid Attorney

Legal Aid Attorneys provide legal assistance to low-income individuals and families. They may work for legal aid organizations, government agencies, or private law firms. This course may be useful for Legal Aid Attorneys, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to access to justice. The course also includes discussions on the challenges of equal application of the law and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Legal Aid Attorneys who work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. This course may be useful for Journalists who cover legal issues or who want to learn more about the rule of law. The course provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to human rights and democracy. It also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Journalists who report on these issues.

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Government Lawyer

Government Lawyers advise government agencies on legal matters and represent them in court. They may work for a variety of government agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency. This course may be useful for Government Lawyers, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to government. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Government Lawyers who work on international issues.

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Public Defender

Public Defenders represent criminal defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. They may work for government agencies or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Public Defenders, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to criminal justice. The course also includes discussions on the challenges of equal application of the law and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Public Defenders who represent clients from diverse backgrounds.

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Law Librarian

Law Librarians help lawyers and other legal professionals find and access legal information. They may work in law firms, law libraries, or government agencies. This course may be useful for Law Librarians, as it provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to legal research. The course also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Law Librarians who work with international clients or businesses.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic problems. They may work with individuals, families, and groups. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with clients who are involved in the legal system or who are affected by legal issues. The course provides an overview of the rule of law and its relationship to social justice. It also includes discussions on access to justice and the international rule of law, which are important topics for Social Workers who work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

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