Laws students are invited to participate in an education activity of the UK Supreme Court. Do you want to impress? This work is required half-term homework for AS Law students, and optional work for A2 Criminal Law students. THE FINAL DEADLINE is Monday 16th November 2009

UK Supreme Court activity - read and precis the attached EM Case Study (see below). The full judgment can be found here.

Essay requirement: - "Everyone has the right to respect for their family life." Discuss this statement in light of s.8 of the ECHR and the case of EM (Lebananon (FC) (Appelllant) (FC) v Secrteary of State for the Home Department (Respondent). Some of the best essays will be published online with a link sent to Ms Jenny Rowe (Chief Executive of the UK Supreme Court).

This essay homework needs to be word processed and handed in to your Laws Teacher at the first lesson after half-term.

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Some student, it seems, need essay guidance. I list below a possible approach (other approaches exist and are welcome). Before you start you MUST do some research - read at least the EM Case Study (and the Case note). This homework requires a lot of effort - but from effort comes reward. Start early.

(1) Introduction – explaining how you will answer the Q.

(2) Article 8 – quote and explain.

(3) Explain the relevance of Article 14.

(4) Relate to the case of EM and explain the facts of EM.

(5) Relate to points of law considered (The full judgment can be found here).

(6) Sharia Law puts the emphasis on family life with the father.

(7) The western approach to family life, puts greater emphasis on the rights of family life with the mother.

Is this case about a conflict of cultural traditions? If so, can/does the ECHR (based upon western values) provide a fair approach to settlement?

(8) Explain the problem of the court agreeing with EM. Could it open the door to other Muslim mothers fleeing countries to the UK?

(9) Does this case set a precedent for future cases? Does it bind lower courts?

(10)         Do you agree with/disagree with the decision of the House of Lords?

(11)               Does the decision protect family life? What about the family life of the father (on this and future cases)?

(12)               In your conclusion, give an overview and relate back to the title.

For an alternative plan, and approach, see the attached.