This is a concise and accessible introduction to fundamental rights in Europe from the perspectives of history, theory and an analysis of European jurisprudence. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the book equips readers with the tools to understand the foundations and the functioning of this complex and multi-layered topic. Key Features: A combination of historical and philosophical approaches with analysis of significant legal cases A multidisciplinary outlook, in contrast to the strict legal approach of most textbooks on the subject A European perspective which refers throughout to central European values such as freedom, equality, solidarity and dignity A specific focus on fundamental rights, which have received less attention in the fields of legal history and theory in comparison to human rights This textbook will be an important resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in law, philosophy and political science. It will be particularly useful to those studying the law of fundamental rights or human rights as a complement to more traditional legal approaches.

Building upon the growing body of scholarship on the factors and actors that influence the extent to which states implement human rights law, this cutting-edge Research Handbook takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the roles of actors within supranational human rights bodies, the decisions and judgements they make, and the tools they use to facilitate human rights implementation. Eminent scholars and practitioners in the field reflect on why states implement, or fail to implement, obligations and decisions from the supranational level. The Research Handbook reviews the relevant terminology, recent trends, and the theoretical and methodological perspectives and strategies, before rethinking these explanations and offering original scholarship on human rights implementation. Chapters then consider the roles and interplay of various domestic and international actors involved in human rights implementation, including parliaments, national courts, civil society and treaty bodies. The Research Handbook concludes by assessing tools of implementation, including monitoring systems, the role of negotiations and diplomacy, compliance hearings, and the use of IT for compliance. Exploring the entire process of human rights law implementation from recommendation to execution to follow up, this comprehensive Research Handbook will be an invaluable resource to students, scholars and practitioners interested in the decisions and judgements behind the implementation of human rights law.