Professor Jim Murdoch, Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow has been awarded the Pro Merito medal of the Council of Europe.  The medal is the highest distinction granted by the Secretary General to individuals or organisations in recognition of their commitment to the Council of Europe’s values and work.

The medal was presented to Jim for his work in human rights education and in particular, the Human Rights Project, now in its 20th year. 

The project was awarded the Slaughter & May Partnership Award for innovation in the teaching and learning of law, and also one of the  University’s first ‘Teaching Excellence Awards’ in 2006. This optional Honours course is offered as an alternative to the regular teaching and assessment arrangements in the class of European Human Rights Law, but seeks to promote academic knowledge through group work rather than through seminar attendance.

Professor Murdoch said: “I’m honoured to be recognised by the Council of Europe in this way. I am delighted that this has forged further links between the Council of Europe and the University of Glasgow.”

Professor Rosa Greaves, the Head of the School of Law said “It is wonderful for Professor Murdoch to be recognised for his innovative and groundbreaking teaching method in the area of Human Rights law and we are delighted for him.

The award was presented to him by the Deputy Secretary General, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio in the presence of the President and other members of the Court, in the European Court, Strasbourg.

In expressing his thanks to the Council of Europe on behalf of the University of Glasgow for two decades of assistance with this course, the Deputy Secretary General noted the extent to which previous participants of these mooting exercises had been enthused to go on to work in a range of careers furthering respect for human rights and the rule of law, while others had also become involved in Council of Europe activities in helping promote awareness of human rights.

First published: 15 March 2012

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