Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor R. Brooks

J.D. Seminar 1015 (cross-listed) | 3 credit hours

This seminar will explore the role of human rights in US national security decision-making. Has the role or importance of US human rights commitments changed significantly over time? Why and when do national security decision-makers sometimes see human rights as in tension with national security goals, and at other times as vital to the achievement of US national security goals? As international human rights-related institutions (including judicial institutions) grow in number, and US courts show an increased willingness to address international law questions, including those relating to human rights, can we expect a future change in the degree to which national security decision-makers view human rights as central? We will address these questions primarily through case studies, looking in particular at issues of humanitarian intervention (from the questions posed by the Rwandan genocide to more recent events in Libya and elsewhere); issues of accountability (from accountability for Taliban crimes to US relations with the International Criminal Court); and issues relating to human rights in conflict zones and during post-conflict transitions (from detention to women's rights). Course readings will be drawn from law, history, media and NGO reports and declassified government documents.

No prerequisites.

This seminar satisfies the upperclass legal writing requirement. All students will be expected to complete course readings, attend classes, and participate actively in class discussions. To that end, students will be required to write a number of short reaction papers (1-2 pages each) over the course of the term.

In addition, students will need to propose and develop a paper topic approved by the professor by the end of the seventh week of classes. By the end of the ninth week of classes, students will be required to submit a research memorandum, describing their topic in greater detail, noting the key questions their paper will seek to address, and outlining the research plan they intend to follow and the expected structure of the paper. By the end of Week 12, students will be expected to submit an initial draft of the paper. The final paper (at least 6000 words, exclusive of footnotes) will be due on the last day of the spring exam period (or on whatever other date is established by the Registrar).

During the course of the term, each student will be expected to attend at least two brief individual conferences with the professor, the first conference occurring after submission of the research memo and outline, and the second occurring after submission of the first paper draft.