Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3137: Lethal Force, the ECHR and Democracy

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the order indicated:

1. Introduction to the topic of State killing and democracy through high-profile case studies and the issues they raise.

2. Introduction to key concepts of democracy and the rule of law.

3. Introduction to key issues and concepts in policing, public order and the use of force.

4. Introduction to the ECHR and Article 2 on the Right to Life: origins, drafting, development.

5. In-depth analysis of the ECHR’s substantive and procedural analysis of Article 2 in cases of State killing: the three exceptions to Article 2 (2.2(a), 2.2(b) and 2.2(c)); planning and control issues; the State’s duty to investigate and public accountability.6. Identifying gaps in the ECtHR’s analysis: the victim; the scope of causation; ‘abstract’ questions.

7. State killing and democracy within and beyond Article 2 law.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
26.5123.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 22 11 x 2 hour lectures with discussion activities
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 4.5 3 x 1.5 hour seminars: Individual and group work
Guided independent study57 Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided independent study20Workshop Preparation
Guided independent study40Assessment Preparation
Guided independent study 6.5Formative assessment

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

ECHR case law: http://www.echr.coe.int/