Sylvie Bacquet | University of Westminster (original) (raw)

Books by Sylvie Bacquet

This study considers the dilemma between freedom of ecpression and hate speech. It looks at the d... more This study considers the dilemma between freedom of ecpression and hate speech. It looks at the difficulties faced by the courts in striking a fair balance between freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination on grounds of race and religion. The study employs a comparative case study of two high profile court decisions in order to illustrate the judicial approach to the dilemma in England and France. The study defends the hypothesis that due to the special nature of the two human rights in conflict, it is extremely difficult to achieve a fair balance between the two and break down the perpetual conflict of values. It warns against the dangers of relying solely on a legal approach to the dilemma and explores alternatives such a promoting education as a tool to combat ignorance and build tolerance.

In considering the reporting of the second Intifada in the Israeli press, the Palestinian press and in The New York Times, as prime example of the American press, this study examines the impact of the media on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and demonstrates that media coverage of the Intifada has significant influence on public opinion worldwide and thus on the conflict itself.

This research illustrates how the media can contribute to escalation of violence, by exacerbating hatred and antagonising the parties to the conflict through biased reporting, omission or by using a language of incitement. It shows how the media often abandon their professional duty of fairness and objectivity in order best to serve the interests of their own nation.

Illustrations are provided of how the media, whether Israeli or Palestinians, tend to articulate an "us" against "them" stance, and often give a distorted image of the other side, through their presentation of events. It can be argued for instance that both the Israeli and the Palestinian media have a tendency to present their side as a victim of the other party's aggression.

Papers by Sylvie Bacquet

Religious Symbols and the Intervention of the Law, 2019

The article comments on the decision of the High Court in R (Playfoot) v Governing Body of Millai... more The article comments on the decision of the High Court in R (Playfoot) v Governing Body of Millais School (the ‘purity ring’ case), where the court was asked to rule on whether the school’s governing body’s decision not to allow Lydia Playfoot to wear a silver ring as a symbol of her commitment to celibacy until marriage, constituted a violation of Arts 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) and 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950. The case raises important issues in relation to religious freedom, schools and their duties under the Human Rights Act 1998. The article seeks to highlight the extent to which the new legislation has led schools to become increasingly involved in religious matters and discusses some of the problems that may be associated with this approach.

In many parts of the world, we witness an increase of anti-Semitic expression and violence, fuell... more In many parts of the world, we witness an increase of anti-Semitic expression and violence, fuelled by the international context. In France, the country with the largest Jewish community in Europe, the resurgence of anti-Semitism has been particularly acute and reached its peak in October 2000 with the beginning of the Second Intifada. This paper proposes to study this phenomenon throughout: A description of the nature and the dimension of the resurgence of anti-Semitism; an examination of the national, regional and international response to anti-Semitism; and an assessment of its efficiency. This study shows that while the resurgence of anti-Semitism in France is tightly linked to the international context, the situation is also a reflection of some deep-rooted problems within French Society. It concludes that while the legal machinery has been successful in establishing a moral rejection of anti-Semitism, in the case of France, social change is also required.

As part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), the DTI wish to carry out a review the suppor... more As part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), the DTI wish to carry out a review the support that it gives to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, to consider that those organisations play in the provision of information and advice, particularly vulnerable sections of society. The DTI review will consider the ways in which information advice can be given, including through helplines and web based services. To inform review, the DTI commissioned research to consider provision of information and practice in four other countries. This report sets out the findings from this brief study.

In contemporary pluralist states, where faith communities live together, different religious symb... more In contemporary pluralist states, where faith communities live together, different religious symbols and practices have to coexist. This may lead to conflicts between certain minority practices and the dominant majority, particularly around the manifestation of belief in the public domain which may be seen both by the religious and secular majorities as a threat to their cultural heritage or against the secular values of the host country. The law has to mitigate those tensions in order to protect the public from harm and preserve order but in doing so, it may where necessary have to limit citizens’ ability to freely manifest their religion. It is those limitations that have been disputed in the courts on grounds of freedom of religion and belief. Religious symbols are often at the heart of legal battles, with courts called upon to consider the lawfulness of banning or restricting certain symbols or practices. This book analyses the relationship between the state, individuals and rel...

The report provides a brief evaluation of the operation of the Legal Services Commission’s (LSC) ... more The report provides a brief evaluation of the operation of the Legal Services Commission’s (LSC) Training Contract Grant Scheme from a number of points of view: the experience of trainees’ who have taken part in the scheme; the experience of providers who have taken a trainee or trainees as part of the scheme and the views of other interested parties who have not directly participated in the scheme (LPC providers; LPC students; representative bodies and professional associations). The report considers the extent to which the scheme appears to have met the LSC’s stated objectives. It considers whether there are ways in which the scheme could be improved for the future and provides some recommendations and conclusions.

Reports on a study of the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre mediation scheme, including its involve... more Reports on a study of the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre mediation scheme, including its involvement with landlord and tenant housing disrepair cases. Reviews the background to the Birmingham scheme, the aims of the survey, the methodology adopted and its main findings on issues such as: (1) the proportion of cases involving individuals against companies or public bodies; (2) the levels of legal representation; and (3) the duration of cases. Compares the results concerning landlord and tenant disputes, highlighting the sums involved, the eventual outcomes and the percentages of monetary and non monetary remedies obtained.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict receives extensive media coverage, both at the national and inte... more The Israeli-Palestinian conflict receives extensive media coverage, both at the national and international level. As any major international crisis, involving very fundamental issues, the Intifada triggers deep emotional feelings, and thus it offers very good material to the media. In considering the reporting of the second Intifada in the Israeli press, the Palestinian press and in The New York Times, as prime example of the American press, this study examines the impact of the media on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and demonstrates that media coverage of the Intifada has a significant influence on public opinion worldwide and thus on the conflict itself. This research illustrates how the media can contribute to escalation of violence, by exacerbating hatred and antagonising the parties to the conflict through biased reporting, omission or by using a language of incitement. It shows how the media often abandon their professional duty of fairness and objectivity in order best to ...

This study was commissioned by the Legal Services Commission (LSC), the body responsible for lega... more This study was commissioned by the Legal Services Commission (LSC), the body responsible for legal aid in England and Wales. It sought to evaluate the operation of the Training Contracts Grant Scheme, which supports the recruitment of trainee solicitors into legal aid careers with law firms and not-for-profit organisations in England and Wales. It aims to engender commitment to legal aid work in the long term, rather than simply providing training in the sector. The Scheme was launched in September 2002 in response to concerns that the pool of legal solicitors may be diminishing and aging, as few young solicitors were entering and remaining within the sector. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods, including telephone interviews and a series of surveys of participating firms and trainees and former trainees.

Lack of engagement has a negative effect on students and staff across the University and can resu... more Lack of engagement has a negative effect on students and staff across the University and can result in students failing to complete their course. University of Westminster is losing money because of retention and there is a damaging effect on the reputation of the University in the NSS if students are not engaged; both of these factors impact recruitment. With the changing face and increased competition amongst Higher Education providers we need to be providing the best services and support to our students.

The report provides a brief evaluation of the operation of the Legal Services Commission's (... more The report provides a brief evaluation of the operation of the Legal Services Commission's (LSC) Training Contract Grant Scheme from a number of points of view: the experience of trainees' who have taken part in the scheme; the experience of providers who have taken ...

Religious Symbols and the Intervention of the Law, 2019

Leading Works in Law and Religion

Religious Symbols and the Intervention of the Law