Questions for Thursday Discussion

Hi All,

Below are the questions we will be discussing Thursday night (6-8PM)--

1. Under international law, as we know it today, can the Malaysian government establish a legitimate interest to deny Lina Joy a change of her identity? Which international instruments -- and within them which articles -- is the Malaysian government likely to invoke to justify this measure?

2. What would you have done differently had you been in Lina Joy's position before she filed her first declaration?

3. How do you believe the decision of the Federal Court in Lina Joy is likely to affect the future development of rights in Malaysia? Which of the rights that protect Lina Joy's interest in this case can the Malaysian government legally derogate from?

Being able to answer these questions will require a solid knowledge of the case. I recommend that those of you who had not read it in due time in whole or in part use the time between now and Thursday to catch up with the class. Those of you who had read the case will be in a better position, but some brushing-up on the details is also highly recommended. Thursday, please, bring the text of the case along with you to the place where you will be using the Internet (unless you are doing this out of your home, then just make it handy)to be able to make detailed references to its content. Also, please, make sure that you post your replies to these questions no later than Tuesday evening to give your readers ample time to respond.

Have a good rest of the weekend and I will see you on this blog Thursday night.

Stan