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Citizenship and the Rule of Law

"Be you so high, the law is above you." This principle, part of the Rule of Law, has come to represent the powerful idea that even politicians and monarchs are bound by the law. However in an age of powerful corporations, international cyber-crime and popular support for authoritarian leaders, the Rule of Law is under threat worldwide.

This course, run by the Bingham Centre of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, will provide an introduction to headline issues around the Rule of Law. Each week we will tackle aspects of the Rule of Law and discuss how they are impacted by current events. The course will use video lectures, recommended reading, discussion questions and activities to enable you to develop your own perspective on the Rule of Law. Though this course sits at the intersection of law and politics, participants do not require any formal educational background in either of these subjects to join. The course will take place over 6 weeks with approximately 3 hours of content each week.

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What's inside

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.

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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

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Reviews summary

Intro to citizenship and rule of law

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the core principles of the Rule of Law. Students particularly appreciate how the course connects historical concepts to relevant, current global events and modern challenges, making the material feel timely and important. The structure, often described as using well-organized weekly modules with clear video lectures and supporting readings, makes the complex subject matter accessible. While it offers a great starting point for beginners with no prior legal or political background, some learners note that the introductory level means it may not delve into sufficient depth for those seeking advanced study or highly specialized knowledge.

Suitable for beginners, less so for experts.

"As an introduction, this course is fantastic, but it doesn't go into great depth on any single topic."

"Someone with an existing legal background might find some parts too basic."

"It's a great overview, but if you need advanced knowledge, you'll likely need to supplement this course."

Well-organized weekly content.

"The course was very well-structured week by week, making it easy to follow the progression of topics."

"Lectures were clear and easy to understand, and the recommended readings were helpful."

"The format with video lectures and discussions worked well for learning."

Connects principles to modern challenges.

"I appreciated how the course linked historical context to current events and modern issues worldwide."

"Discussing how the Rule of Law is challenged today made the concepts feel incredibly relevant."

"Seeing how these principles apply to things like business or international relations was very insightful."

Provides solid introduction for beginners.

"This course gave me a really good foundation in understanding the key aspects of the Rule of Law principle."

"I had no prior background in law or politics, and I found this course to be an excellent starting point."

"Great for someone new to the subject who needs a clear overview of the basic ideas."

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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Citizenship and the Rule of Law.

International Human Rights

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Explores the relationship between the rule of law and human rights. It argues that the rule of law is essential for the protection of human rights and that human rights are essential for the rule of law.

Citizenship and the Rule of Law

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Intro to citizenship and rule of law

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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