Category: Uncategorized

This is cross-posted from Human Rights in Ireland

The Green Party has released a reproductive rights policy in advance of the general election. The policy is very welcome, and is a further indication that reproductive justice is likely to be a central issue in the forthcoming election. The policy is especially interesting in that it speaks to a broad approach to reproductive rights, endorsing better maternity care and more choice in maternity and birthing options, and committing to access to safe and affordable contraception. This is a very welcome development. The publication of this policy also speaks to the Green Party’s decision to support repeal of the 8th Amendment by means of a referendum, although its support is given “on the condition that the Government have provided draft legislation which will be put in place if the referendum passes”. It is on this proposed law that I want to concentrate here. Continue reading “The Green Party’s Reproductive Rights Policy: An Appraisal”

This afternoon The Conversation published a column from me on targeted killing, arising from the news today that a US drone strike likely resulted in the death of Mohammed Emwazi. The column in full is here, and here’s the conclusion as a taster:

Legal debate serves another function here. Presenting targeted killing as something in relation to which there is at least an arguable legal justification enables political leaders to get out of answering harder, moral questions. By using technology to minimise the risk to “our” soldiers and “eliminate threats”, political leaders can avoid the moral and political pressure that comes from committing “boots on the ground” so that difficult questions may go unasked.

Of course, it is important for us to question the legality of what our governments do; to ensure that they remain within the law. But in the case of targeting killings there is a risk that the legal debate is so intense that the necessary moral debate does not take place.

Targeted killings such as this one are done in “our” name; to protect “our” security. And so, we must ask ourselves —- and our leaders —- these hard questions, and we must welcome rather than condemn interventions from politicians ([such as Jeremy Corbyn](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jihadi-john-dead-jeremy-corbyn-says-far-better-if-militant-had-been-in-tried-in-court-rather-than-a6733316.html)) who question the decision to kill rather than prosecute suspected terrorists.

As a democratically organised community operating under the rule of law, are we willing to accept the proposition that we can kill people (including our own citizens) abroad because of what we believe we know they did — or may do in the future? And, if so, can we accept the implications of this kind of prevention-oriented logic, legal or not?

I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of Global Legal Studies at the University of Birmingham. Thus, after three very happy and productive years in Durham, I will be starting in Birmingham on 1 August.

The creation of this chair signals Birmingham’s commitment to global legal studies (including, but going beyond, ‘global law’, international law, comparative law and transnational law), which is also clear from the establishment of the LL.B in International Law and Globalisation. That degree, which has a small and highly competitive entry, will begin with a full cohort this September and offers students a globalised experience reflected in the syllabus, the teaching team, the diversity of the student community in which they will be working, and the possibility of a year abroad. The programme, as well as the Chair, build on the research strengths in the School, reflected in the highly internationalised programmes of work across the research institutes, groups and clusters.

The School also has a vibrant visiting scholars scheme, the details of which are available here, and I would encourage people working in global legal studies to consider visiting and participating in our research. I am very much looking to the move and to working with wonderful new colleagues to carve out a dynamic and engaged research and teaching programme in global legal studies in Birmingham.

Siobhán Mullally and I, the editors of the Irish Yearbook of International Law, welcome submissions for publication in the Yearbook.

Articles should not be published or under consideration for publication elsewhere.

An annual, peer reviewed publication, the Irish Yearbook of International Law is committed to the publication of articles of general interest in international law as well as articles that have a particular connection to, or relevance for, Ireland. Articles are usually 10,000 to 12,000 words in length, although longer submissions will be considered. The Yearbook also publishes a small number of shorter articles and notes, which should not exceed 6,000 words.

Submissions, comprising a brief 100-word abstract, article and confirmation of exclusive submission, should be sent to both Professor Siobhán Mullally (s.mullally@ucc.ie) and Professor Fiona de Londras (fiona.de-londras@durham.ac.uk) by 30 June 2015. (Submissions are also accepted on a rolling basis).

Anyone wishing to review a particular title in the Yearbook’s book review section is also invited to contact the editors. Further information on the Yearbook (including style guide) is available at the IYIL website. The Irish Yearbook of International Law is published by Hart-Bloomsbury and is also available on HEIN Online.