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5.00 credits
18.0 h
Q2
This biannual learning unit is not being organized in 2025-2026 !
Language
French
Prerequisites
At the end of this course, students should be able to identify the legal issues at stake for the different types of vulnerable persons covered in the course. They should be able to understand and explain how the law deals with their situation. The course also aims to develop students' critical thinking and legal reflexes with regard to situations of vulnerability they may encounter in their future professional lives.
Main themes
The “Law and Vulnerability” course aims, firstly, to introduce students to the way in which the notions of “vulnerability(ies)”, “vulnerable persons” and “situation of vulnerability” are understood by the law (at both Belgian and European or even international level).
The course then aims to explain to students, through thematic chapters, the extent to which legal standards (whether Belgian, European or international) meet the needs of populations who are or could be vulnerable. This includes, but is not limited to, people in precarious situations, people with disabilities, marginalized people, as well as the elderly, minors, LGBTQIA+ people, and all those whose fundamental rights may not be respected due to their status as “vulnerable people”.
In addition to analyzing legal norms, the course devotes considerable attention to the case law of Belgian and European courts and tribunals, which play an essential role in ensuring that the rights of vulnerable people are respected.
The course also draws on very concrete examples, drawn from experiences of vulnerability in the field, to show how the law can respond.
The course then aims to explain to students, through thematic chapters, the extent to which legal standards (whether Belgian, European or international) meet the needs of populations who are or could be vulnerable. This includes, but is not limited to, people in precarious situations, people with disabilities, marginalized people, as well as the elderly, minors, LGBTQIA+ people, and all those whose fundamental rights may not be respected due to their status as “vulnerable people”.
In addition to analyzing legal norms, the course devotes considerable attention to the case law of Belgian and European courts and tribunals, which play an essential role in ensuring that the rights of vulnerable people are respected.
The course also draws on very concrete examples, drawn from experiences of vulnerability in the field, to show how the law can respond.
Teaching methods
The course is both lecture-based and interactive. The active participation of students in the course is strongly encouraged. This is all the more important as the course tends to address current societal issues. In lectures, theory is explained on the basis of concrete cases, with an emphasis on current events and official documentation. The approach is descriptive, technical and critical.
Faculty or entity
Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)
Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Law (shift schedule)
