LAW 7837 - [International Human Rights Clinic]

(CU-CEL, CU-ITL)

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Permission of instructor required. Satisfies the skills requirement. Students who wish to apply to the clinic should pre-register and also submit a resume, transcript, writing sample, and statement of interest to Prof. Brundige (eb456@cornell.edu) by the end of the pre-registration period.

E. Brundige.

This Clinic provides students with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international human rights advocacy. Through a critical seminar and practical case and project work, students will examine and engage in local, global, and transnational efforts to advance human rights. Students will develop skills such as interviewing, fact-finding, project and case management, international and comparative legal research, legal drafting, and oral advocacy by working on projects and cases for human rights organizations, judges, intergovernmental human rights experts or bodies, and individuals. The course will give students experience in diverse methods of human rights advocacy, such as fact-finding and reporting, domestic and international litigation, legal assistance and counseling, and human rights education. Examples of past projects include conducting field research in Zambia for a report on the problem of sexual violence against girls in schools, preparing an amicus brief in support of a petition on the right to free education in Colombia, and participating in a trial advocacy training program on human trafficking for judges and lawyers in Liberia. Students will also have the opportunity to examine critically the ethical, political, cultural, and other challenges that affect the promotion of human rights. Some projects may involve optional international travel, and some projects may address human rights issues within the United States.