Simulations of pleadings before the European Court of Human Rights

Summary

The aim of the “Simulation of Pleadings before the European Court of Human Rights” project was to bring together schools from France, Portugal, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania to collaborate on the theme of combating discrimination in Europe. By participating in simulated court pleadings before the European Court of Human Rights, students became active promoters of the fight against discrimination, making full use of the opportunities offered by the European Convention on Human Rights.

“This project was both transforming and unforgettable!” 

Topic(s) addressed

• Democracy
• European identity and values
• Human rights/fight against discrimination

Target group(s)

• Schools with various teaching levels of education (general, technological and vocational)
• Schools at various levels of education (general, technological and vocational)  

Methodologies used

Students were actively involved in every stage of the project and were tasked with identifying instances of discrimination in the practical cases they were presented with.

The project aimed to explore how any European citizen can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to assert their rights, based on discrimination cases previously judged by national courts, once all domestic remedies have been exhausted. It reinforced the idea that legal texts are not merely symbolic or fixed, and that as European citizens, students should understand and be able to apply them.

Learners were required to produce both written and oral pleadings in French. This demanded a solid understanding and interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights from all participants, as well as specific language work for non-French-speaking students.

Innovation environment

The “apprentice lawyers” taking part in the project discovered the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as a key instrument for the protection of human rights. They relied on it to defend either a plaintiff who had experienced discrimination, or a state accused of violating the principle of non-discrimination. A pleading simulation contest was organised in each participating country, with the final round held at the ECHR itself in Strasbourg - an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Teachers’ role

A "teaching kit" for educators was co-produced as an outcome of the teaching practices developed in collaboration with a partner association. Additional teaching tools were also created and are transferable, allowing other teachers beyond the project to adopt and implement them in their own classrooms.

Impact and output

As a result of the project, students have developed the ability to identify common factors underlying discriminatory behaviour and to understand the short-, medium-, and long-term impact of discrimination on individuals, drawing from a range of specific cases across the EU. They have discovered the unique features of the European human rights protection system and gained awareness of the wide array of rights it guarantees. In doing so, they have come to recognise both the effectiveness of this protection and the ongoing need for its evolution.

Students have also learned how to use human rights instruments to defend either a victim of discrimination or a state accused of discriminatory behaviour, drawing on arguments from both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. Through this process, they have strengthened their ability to promote values such as tolerance, respect, and solidarity, while deepening their sense of European citizenship.

Moreover, they are now equipped to prepare and present a case before an audience, having developed critical thinking, analytical skills, and confidence in public speaking.

Learn more about the project

Video