Think conscientious objection and the mind may well conjure faded images of long-haired youths unwilling to serve in the conscript armies of the past.
Yet, the issue remains live and resonant for pacifists and religious minorities in particular, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
As a result, a considerable caselaw has built up over the years at the European Court of Human Rights dealing with complaints brought by those whose moral or religious convictions bring them into conflict with the wishes of the state.
The Essential
Factsheet: Conscientious objection
Podcast: LGBT caselaw
