The Legalization of Human Rights

The concept of 'human rights' as a universal goal is at the centre of the international stage. It is now a key part in discourse, treaties and in domestic jurisdictions. However, as this study shows, the debate around this development is actually about human rights law.

This text scrutinizes the extent to which legalization shapes the human rights ideal, and surveys its ethical, political and practical repercussions. How does the law influence what we think about rights? What more is there to such rights than their legal protection? These expert contributors approach these questions from a range of perspectives: political theory/moral theory, anthropology, sociology, international law, international politics and political science, to deliver a diversity of methodologies.

This book is essential reading for those wishing to develop a clear understanding of the relationship between human rights ideals and laws and for those working toward the fostering of a genuine human rights culture.

Saladin Meckled-Garcia is Director of the MA in Human Rights at UCL. His main area of work is political theory and philosophy, concentrating on human rights and international justice. He has published work in the areas of international justice, human rights, toleration and neutrality, ethics and the market.

Basak Cali is a senior research fellow and lecturer in human rights at the School of Public Policy, UCL. She is engaged in research on human rights theory and law. Her current work includes research into the effects of local human rights organisations on domestic human rights debates, and how this is affected by international human rights agencies and organisations.