This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The broad and expanding field of transitional justice covers a vast set of topics, ranging from political transition to legal accountability across different scales, whether international, regional, domestic or local. The specific topics of this research-led course will vary, but may include theories and dilemmas of transitional justice, truth and reconciliation commissions, the role of amnesties, international criminal prosecutions, reparations and restitution, traditional forms of justice, and judicial reform among other subjects.
Total study hours: 200
Contact hours: 18
Private study hours: 182
MA and LLM in (Specialisation); PG Diploma in (Specialisation) - Brussels
Main assessment methods
Assessment Pattern A – Brussels only (LAWS9120)
Short paper, 1500 words (20%)
Essay, 3500 words (80%) – students must pass this component to pass the module
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
McEvoy Kieran and McGregor Lorna (2008), Transitional Justice from Below: Grassroots Activism and the Struggle for Change, Oxford: Hart Publishing.
Murphy Colleen (2017), The Conceptual Foundations of Transitional Justice, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schabas William (2012), Unimaginable Atrocities, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Teitel Ruti (2000), Transitional Justice, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, principles of, and policy considerations surrounding transitional justice and transitional justice institutions and the interrelationships between transitional justice institutions and the international legal order. This will be achieved through selected case studies of past and present major legal, political, social, and economic transitions and associated legal interventions
2. Critically assess their application to controversial issues and case studies of contemporary concern in the light of key theoretical and academic perspectives
3. Critique, current theoretical, political and doctrinal debates in transitional justice
4. Demonstrate independent research into specific issues of transitional justice and to formulate arguments based on this research into a reasoned opinion.
5. Apply and evaluate the operation of rule of law programming in a range of situations
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Research, gather, summarise and evaluate relevant and complex information and key sources by electronic or other means
2. Formulate written arguments concerning areas of controversy and present a reasoned and critical opinion
3. Demonstrate awareness of the limitations of present knowledge and matters needing to be resolved by further research.
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