The present volume focuses on the jurisprudence of national, supranational and international jurisdictions (and quasi-juridictions) as regards the legal "status" of same-sex couples. Its aim is to explore the content, rationale, functioning and potential of the different jurisdictions' reasonings and their contribution to the strengthening of LGBTI rights (and duties). As a consequence, the book tries to convey the complexities and controversies that derive from the judicial recognition of same-sex couples across the world, taking always into account the relationship of the judiciary with the executive and the legislature and the related problems of legitimacy and democracy. The volume deals with this issue and considers it as a crucial test for modern democracies and contemporary societies.

This book offers a compact but general introduction to international human rights law. It discusses the theoretical, historical and legal foundations of international human rights law, providing an encompassing analysis of the substantive content of the most important human rights and of the role of States and non-State actors in ensuring their respect. It also carries out a specific analysis of the UN system and the ECHR and other regional systems - all this while constantly situating the discussion on international human rights law within the broader framework of public international law. While particularly suitable for undergraduate students in law, this book is also aimed at students of political science and other social sciences, as well as academics and practitioners. Pietro Pustorino is Full Professor of International Law at the Department of Law of Luiss University (Rome, Italy) and Director of the Luiss Center for International and Strategic Studies.