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PUL241Law4 Unitsintermediate

Human Rights Law I

This course provides an introduction to Human Rights Law, focusing on the fundamental principles and legal frameworks within the Nigerian context. It explores the historical development of human rights, classifications of rights, and the role of international instruments. The course examines key constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and limitations on rights, including the right to life, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. It also addresses contemporary issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the balance between individual liberties and state powers.

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150h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Human Rights LawCivil LibertiesNigerian ConstitutionInternational InstrumentsFundamental Rights

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Human Rights

2

Historical Antecedents

3

Classification of Rights

4

Right to Life

5

Freedom of Expression

6

Freedom of Association

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Human Rights Lawyer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legal Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Advocacy Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Rights Activist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LegalGovernmentNon-profitInternational OrganizationsAdvocacy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Historical Development of Human Rights

3h

Unit 1: Definition Meaning and Classes of Human Rights

3 study hours

•Define human rights, differentiate between natural law, positivism, and Marxism perspectives.
•Explain the historical evolution of human rights.

Week

2

Module 1: Historical Development of Human Rights

3h

Unit 2: Introduction to Human Rights and Civil Liberties

3 study hours

•Define human rights, identify philosophies leading to the concept of human rights.
•Distinguish between generations of human rights.

Week

3

Module 1: Historical Development of Human Rights

3h

Unit 3: Historical Antecedents of Human Rights in Nigeria

3 study hours

•Explain the historical antecedents of human rights in Nigeria.
•Identify the evolution of human rights from the 1960 to 1999 Constitutions.
•Identify how courts have aided entrenchment of fundamental human rights.

Week

4

Module 1: Historical Development of Human Rights

3h

Unit 4: Human Rights as a Universal Concern

3 study hours

•Explain the universalization of human rights, the origin, and content of international human rights norms.
•Understand the meaning of fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.
•Contrast with fundamental rights in the 1999 Constitution.

Week

5

Module 1: Historical Development of Human Rights

3h

Unit 5: Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principle of State Policy, Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Human Right Cases

3 study hours

•Define fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.
•Identify fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
•Distinguish between fundamental objectives and directive principles and fundamental rights.

Week

6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Fundamental Rights

3 study hours

•Identify fundamental human rights provisions and their derogations.
•Understand the right to dignity of human person, personal liberty, and fair hearing.

Week

7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Fundamental Human Rights Cases

3 study hours

•Identify and discuss fundamental human rights provisions and their jurisprudence.
•Analyze cases involving fundamental human rights.

Week

8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Violation – Consequences of Disobedience

3 study hours

•Analyze consequences of violating fundamental human rights.
•Understand the attitude of Nigerian courts to violations of human rights.

Week

9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Right to Life

3 study hours

•Define the right to life, identify laws governing it, and distinguish between exceptions and unlawful termination of life.

Week

10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Right to Life and the Scope and Limit of Exercise of Police Powers

3 study hours

•Identify constitutional limitations of the Nigeria Police Force.
•Know ways police are empowered to take life and when they exceed their mandate.

Week

11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Judicial Attitude to Individual or Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria

3 study hours

•Understand the judicial attitude of Nigerian courts in protecting fundamental human rights.
•Explain constitutional constructions related to individual rights.

Week

12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 4: Right to Life: Nigeria Abortion Law

3 study hours

•Identify constitutional prescriptions for the right to life.
•Know jurisprudence on abortion and the rights of an unborn child.

Week

13

Module 3:

3h

Unit 5: Euthanasia and the Right to Life

3 study hours

•State arguments for and against euthanasia.
•Understand what euthanasia is and take a position on the desirability of the right to die.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed outlines for each unit, focusing on key definitions, legal principles, and case studies.

2

Practice applying human rights concepts to hypothetical scenarios and real-world cases.

3

Review and compare the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution with relevant international instruments.

4

Focus on understanding the judicial interpretations of human rights provisions in Nigeria.

5

Prepare arguments for and against controversial topics such as abortion and euthanasia.

6

Practice time management during mock exams to ensure you can complete the final examination within the allotted time.

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