Active learning ideas
One of the most challenging aspects of human rights is when two valid rights come into conflict. This topic teaches students how to navigate these dilemmas, such as the balance between the right to privacy and national security, or freedom of expression versus the right to be free from hate speech. Students learn about the principle of 'proportionality' used by courts to resolve these issues.
Activity 01
Students debate the motion: 'This house believes the government should have the right to monitor private communications to prevent terrorism.' They must use specific human rights articles to support their arguments.
How do courts balance freedom of expression with the right to privacy?
Activity 02
In small groups, students are given a summary of a real Irish court case (e.g., regarding protest rights vs. property rights). They must predict the court's ruling based on the principle of proportionality before the actual verdict is revealed.
What happens when individual rights conflict with collective security?
Activity 03
Students discuss whether 'offensive' speech should be protected. They must try to draw a line where speech becomes 'harmful' and justify why that line is the correct place for a democratic society to intervene.
How are competing rights resolved in a democratic society?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Freedom of speech means you can say anything you want without consequences.
Freedom of speech is a 'qualified' right. It can be limited to protect the rights of others, such as their reputation (defamation) or their safety (incitement to violence). Examining hate speech laws helps clarify this.
When rights conflict, the 'majority' view should always win.
Human rights are designed to protect individuals and minorities from the 'tyranny of the majority.' The role of the courts is to protect fundamental rights even if the resulting decision is unpopular.
Methods used in this brief
Foundations of Human Rights
Students study the historical development and philosophical underpinnings of human rights. The topic introduces key international human rights instruments.
8 methodologies
Human Rights in Practice
An examination of how human rights are protected and violated in contemporary contexts. Students analyze the mechanisms for enforcing human rights at national and international levels.
8 methodologies