Differences and Non-Discrimination: Rights in Action

This course provides the theoretical and analytical tools necessary for engaging with strategic litigation on non-discrimination and equal opportunities. Starting from the general principles of the international, European and domestic legal order, the course will analyse the linkages between the Rule of law, equality, dignity and fundamental rights. The course will explain which are the protected grounds of discrimination and which are considered, on the contrary, legitimate differences in treatment. The course will focus on the protected grounds of nationality, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and religion and will approach to the issues related to the implementation of the principle of equality through the analisys of caselaw. The concepts of direct, indirect and multiple discrimination will be analysed in detail, together with the scope of anti-discrimination law and its limits. Furthermore, the course aims at acquiring the knowledge and skills required to be able to maintain an adequate update over time on the evolution of the institutional framework.

The expected learning outcomes are knowledge and understanding of the principles of equality and equal opportunities in global societies, and the protection of human dignity through anti-discrimination laws that aim to achieve them. Students will learn to frame individual cases within the legal order, and to identify the rules applicable to the specific case-law examined, through a correct application in the legal field of the techniques of problem solving. Students will also learn to express autonomous assessments on the regulatory system and on the effects of rules on the equality and dignity of those groups who are discriminated against. They will learn how to work in a group through activities carried out both in the classroom and autonomously , with the aim of developing relational and communication skills.