Courses
The syllabus of the Human Rights Law Clinic is meant for two to three semesters. The students receive 10 ECTS for the first two semesters (Base Course Human Rights Law Clinic). After that, the students are given the possibility complete an additional advanced course for the earning of 5 ECTS (Advanced Course Human Rights Law Clinic). During the advanced course, students have the opportunity to write their master's thesis consisting of a written thesis 15 ECTS and an oral record of achievement of 5 ECTS (cf. art. 23 para. 1 Study Regulations Faculty of Law [RSL RW]).
Per semester there are one to two guest lectures and excursions (e.g. visits to correctional facilities, the European Court for Human Rights [ECHR] in Strasbourg or a UN Committee) for students of the base course and the advanced course.
Base Course Human Rights Law Clinic
Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Alberto Achermann; Prof. Dr. Jörg Künzli; Prof. Dr. Jonas Weber
Duration: 2 semesters
ECTS: 10
At the beginning, there will be introductions to key issues in the various subject areas. In addition to imparting specialist knowledge, practical exercises and discussions are also planned. This is intended to familiarize students with the various subject areas. In addition, experienced legal practitioners provide input on legal practice, and students complete a short internship at a legal advice center, an NGO, or a law firm.
After an introduction to the various subject areas, students work on specific cases under the guidance and supervision of professors and staff from the participating departments. Students perform both written (drafting legal documents, expert opinions, file notes, etc.) and oral tasks (presentations during case discussions).
Advanced Course Human Rights Law Clinic
Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Alberto Achermann; Prof. Dr. Jörg Künzli; Prof. Dr. Jonas Weber
Duration: 1 Semester
ECTS: 5
Requirements: Completion of the Base Course Human Rights Law Clinic
Case studies will continue to be covered in the advanced course. Students work on several cases, draft legal documents, expert opinions, and statements, and present their findings in oral case presentations. The students in the advanced course take on leadership and coordination roles within the group working on a specific case. During the advanced course, students have the opportunity to write their master's thesis consisting of a written thesis 15 ECTS and an oral record of achievement of 5 ECTS (cf. art. 23 para. 1 Study Regulations Faculty of Law [RSL RW]).