Freedom Of Religion Under The European Convention On Human R

Description:
Freedom of religion and belief is one of the central rights set out in international human rights treaties and yet it has also been one of the most controversial. While it is generally agreed that religious freedom is a fundamental right, there is little consensus about its content or scope. This book provides a detailed analysis of the law of freedom of religion or belief as developed under the European Convention on Human Rights. It takes a critical view of the restrictive manner in which the European Court and Commission of Human Rights have interpreted the Convention provisions relating to freedom of religion or belief and the high level of deference that they have given to State interests. The first part of the book sets the context, historical and theoretical, in which the interpretation of religious freedom in the Convention takes place. The second looks at the meaning of the Article 9(1) provisions for the protection of freedom of religion and belief, and the third part explores the limitations that a State may place on that freedom. Some of the issues raised include the role of religious education in State schools, permissible limitations on proselytism, the rights of conscientious objectors, and the scope of religious freedom for prisoners.

Review:
This is a very good book: a clear, sensible, and appropriately critical account of an important part of Strasbourg human rights jurisprudence. International and Comparative Law Quarterly ... excellent book ... a good place to start looking at the rights to freedom of religion and belief under the European Convention on Human Rights. ... a useful examination of the distinctions between thought, conscience, religion and belief. ...This book is a careful and thorough analysis of the operation of Article 9 of the ECHR which is highly recommended to anyone wishing to study this area. European Human Rights Law Review This is a very good book indeed. well-constructed chapters as far as individual religious freedom under Article 9 is concerned, there is no better book. It is replete with insightful observations and sound judgment and sensible suggestions and it is surely destined to become a standard point of reference on the subject. European Public Law

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction; 2. Towards a Theory of Freedom of Religion or Belief; 3. Historical Background; 4. Defining Religion or Belief; 5. Freedom of Religion or Belief; 6. The Right to Manifest a Religion or Belief; 7. Limitations on Manifestations of Religion or Belief; 8. Neutral and Generally Applicable Laws; 9. Conclusion; Select Bibliography