This course will explore the theoretical debates around the desirability of protecting human rights via constitutional and other models of bills of rights. Comparative analysis will involve study of bills of rights in a number of jurisdictions, which may include an examination of the South African, Indian and other experiences. It will also include a comparative examination of statutory bills of rights in Australia, focusing on the impact of the human rights charters in the ACT and Victoria on policy-making, government decision-making, legislative processes, and in the courts, will engage with the ongoing debate about the adoption of bills of rights in Australia. Among other topics, this course will address debates surrounding the protection of socio-economic rights, including their the status as rights, the desirability and practicability of including them in constitutional or statutory charters of rights, and means of implementing and enforcing such rights.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.