'They can destroy our houses. But they cannot destroy our values'

The response of the Council of Europe to the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Rick Lawson • March 17, 2022

The ECHR at 70: A Living Instrument in Precarious Present-day Conditions

The European Court of Human Rights must respond immediately to cases where it is argued that judicial independence is undermined. The Court should review its priority policy as well as its practice concerning interim measures.

Rick Lawson • February 07, 2020 • 3 comments

The EU, Poland and the rule of law: writing a new chapter

As the Council starts to discuss the rule of law in Poland, the EU enters a new stage as a guardian of human rights in its member states. Some observers have claimed that the Commission acted too late and did too little, but this criticism is undeserved.

Rick Lawson • June 25, 2018 • 1 comment

The Central European University and us

The Hungarian government has proposed measures that would make it impossible for Central European University to continue operations within the country. We must speak out against this deliberate attack on academic freedom.

Carel Stolker and Rick Lawson • April 04, 2017 • 1 comment

The Islamic headscarf and EU employment law: an uneasy fit?

Employers may order their employees not to wear religious apparel when interacting with customers, the European Court of Justice just ruled. Does the freedom to conduct a business outweigh the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of religion?

Rick Lawson and Christa Tobler • March 24, 2017 • 1 comment

Wilders, equality and what a law school is about

On 26 November 2014, the Wilders movement made itself heard, while Leiden University commemorated the address given by professor R.P. Cleveringa on 26 November 1940 in protest against the dismissal of his colleague, professor E.M. Meijers.

Alex Geert Castermans and Rick Lawson • December 04, 2014 • 3 comments

Whatever Wilders cares for

At our Law School students learn the significance and meaning of freedom of speech. They learn to wonder how to reconcile this freedom with the rights of others and the principle of equality.

Rick Lawson • March 24, 2014

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