Overview

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This thought-provoking introduction provides an incisive overview of dignity law, a field of law emerging in every region of the globe that touches all significant aspects of the human experience. Through an examination of the burgeoning case law in this area, James R. May and Erin Daly reveal a strong overlapping consensus surrounding the meaning of human dignity as a legal right and a fundamental value of nations large and small, and how this global jurisprudence is redefining the relationship between individuals and the state. Key features include: Analyses of cases from a range of jurisdictions all over the world A history of the shift of the concept of dignity from a philosophical idea to a legally enforceable right Discussion of dignity as a value and a right in different major legal contexts, and its roots in African, Asian, European and Islamic traditions. This Advanced Introduction will be invaluable to scholars and students of law, particularly those interested in human rights, looking to understand this emerging area of law. It will inform lawyers, judges, policymakers and other advocates interested in how dignity and the law can be used to protect everyone, including the most vulnerable among us.

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9781789901689

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'This book is a very complete contribution to the meaning of dignity seen as a universal value and right, with important insights on legal doctrine and policies all over the world. It demonstrates that, inherent to all of us, dignity implies that every single human being must always be treated as a person.' -- Paul Cassia, University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France 'With this Advanced Introduction to Human Dignity and Law, Professors Erin Daly and James R. May deliver a global perspective on this very important idea . A mine of legal materials gathered from around the world, this volume brings together essential knowledge on human dignity in a concise and engaging manner. Buzzing with energy, Professor Daly and Professor May's Advanced Introduction is a must read for all those promoting dignity rights, as well as all those curious about the great adventure of humanity and democracy.' -- Catherine Dupre, University of Exeter, UK 'This book is a timely and methodical overview of dignity law, a concept that has been somewhat neglected in legal discourse and legal theory. And yet dignity is the bedrock of law, as reflected in several international human rights documents and the many constitutions drafted at the end of the last century. The reflections and the arguments raised by Erin Daly and James R. May are particularly prescient at this time, as we emerge from one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. As we strive to reconstitute our lives and the law, Erin Daly and James R. May's thoughtful perspectives on dignity will serve as a tiller to navigate the stormy waters of reconstruction.' -- Penelope Andrews, New York Law School, US 'Humanity has lost its way. We are causing unprecedented socio-ecological destruction while ruthlessly oppressing other vulnerable humans and non-human beings. We urgently need to (re)become more humble, caring, sharing and selfless co-inhabitants of a fragile planet. In this analysis, Professors Erin Daly and James R. May argue we could do so by embracing the foundational value of dignity. They reveal the importance of dignity as a core value of human societies the world over and how dignity manifests in law and is facilitated through law. Ultimately, this book shows how a full embrace of dignity as a core value could help us find our way again.' -- Louis J. Kotze, North-West University, South Africa and University of Lincoln, UK

Author Information

James R. May, Richard S. Righter Distinguished Professor of Law, Washburn University School of Law and President, Dignity Rights International and Erin Daly, Professor of Law, Widener University Delaware Law School, USA and Executive Director, Dignity Rights International

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