Constitutional Law
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims at improving and deepening the knowledge and undertanding of the Italian constitutional system through a theoretical and pragmatic approach, thus teaching students how to master the fundamental concepts of constitutionalism with adequate legal terminology and methodology. The course is part of the legal area of the Master's programme's multidisciplinary education, and provides the students with the elements of Constitutional Law that are necessary for the professional skillsets developed in the "Institutions and protection of rights" curriculum.
The programme of the course includes the main aspects of contemporary constitutionalism, and will pay particular attention to the fundamental principles and rights on which the legal system is based, by also considering the more complex aspects in order to develop the students' critical approach. A part of the course is dedicated to the in-class analysis of jurisprudential cases, in order to provide the student with the ability to understand and individually and critically analyse the different facets of contemporary constitutionalism.
The programme of the course includes the main aspects of contemporary constitutionalism, and will pay particular attention to the fundamental principles and rights on which the legal system is based, by also considering the more complex aspects in order to develop the students' critical approach. A part of the course is dedicated to the in-class analysis of jurisprudential cases, in order to provide the student with the ability to understand and individually and critically analyse the different facets of contemporary constitutionalism.
Expected learning outcomes
At the course's conclusion students will gain an advanced knowledge and understanding of Constitutional Law, with particular regard to the Republic's institutions and the fundamental constitutional rights and their protection.
Students will gain the ability to read and interpret Constitutional Law and the most relevant pieces of legislation in the light of the main aspects of constitutionalism.
The course also aims at encouraging a continuous exchange of views between students (and with the teacher) and to teach students how to draft, after the lessons and seminars, papers and legal texts connected to the matters that were discussed.
The course will provide students with the skills necessary to apply the acquired knolwedge and undertanding of Constitutional Law and to develop their legal reasoning and to improve their mastery of legal terminology.
Students will gain the ability to read and interpret Constitutional Law and the most relevant pieces of legislation in the light of the main aspects of constitutionalism.
The course also aims at encouraging a continuous exchange of views between students (and with the teacher) and to teach students how to draft, after the lessons and seminars, papers and legal texts connected to the matters that were discussed.
The course will provide students with the skills necessary to apply the acquired knolwedge and undertanding of Constitutional Law and to develop their legal reasoning and to improve their mastery of legal terminology.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The course will explore the founding concepts of Constitutional Law, with a particular focus on the fundamental principles of the legal system and their connection to fundamental rights and democratic institutions in the Italian form of government and, more specifically: the personalist principle, humand dignity and fundamental rights, pluralism, the principle of solidarity, the democratic principle and political rights, the equality principle and the principle of non-discrimination, the equality principle and social rights, the labourist principle and economic rights, the autonomist principles and the regional form of State, the protection of minorities, secularism, the principle of culture and cultural rights, the status of non-citizens, the principle of international cooperation. The third part of the course will focus on the European and multilevel dimension of constitutionalism.
Prerequisites for admission
No preliminary knowledge required, although a basic knowledge of Italian Public Law is advisable.
Teaching methods
The course is divided in three parts. The first two parts will explore the founding concepts of Constitutional Law, with a particular focus on the fundamental principles of the legal system. Students will be encouraged to use the legal methodology to interpret fundamental principles as a system, to understand the doctrine of the balancing of fundamental rights, and to understand the connection between fundamental principles and the functioning of the democratic institutions. The third part of the course will focus on the European and multilevel dimension of constitutionalism.
The teaching method is mainly based on in-class lectures. Attending students will be provided with the opportunity to carry out group works and to conduct researches on topics connected to those studied in the course, that will be presented in class. This in order to develop opportunities for cooperation between students, and between them and the teachers, and their skills in research and exposition.
The teaching method is mainly based on in-class lectures. Attending students will be provided with the opportunity to carry out group works and to conduct researches on topics connected to those studied in the course, that will be presented in class. This in order to develop opportunities for cooperation between students, and between them and the teachers, and their skills in research and exposition.
Teaching Resources
P. Bilancia, E. De Marco (eds.), L'ordinamento della Repubblica. Le Istituzioni e la Società, Padova, CEDAM, latest edition.
A direct knowledge of the Italian Constitution and of the fundamental laws of the Italian and European constitutional systems is expected.
P. Bilancia, F.G. Pizzetti, Testi e progetti del sistema costituzionale italiano ed europeo, Torino, Giappichelli, latest edition.
A direct knowledge of the Italian Constitution and of the fundamental laws of the Italian and European constitutional systems is expected.
P. Bilancia, F.G. Pizzetti, Testi e progetti del sistema costituzionale italiano ed europeo, Torino, Giappichelli, latest edition.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final test consists in an oral exam. Attending students will be examined on the topics developed in class during the course and can complete their preparation with the textbooks (see the specific section).
Attending students can work (in group) on a paper on a topic connected to those developed in class. The paper will be presented in class during the final lessons of the course and will be taken into account for the final grade.
Non-attending students will be examined on the topics developed in the textbooks (see the specific section).
Attending students can work (in group) on a paper on a topic connected to those developed in class. The paper will be presented in class during the final lessons of the course and will be taken into account for the final grade.
Non-attending students will be examined on the topics developed in the textbooks (see the specific section).
IUS/08 - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Balaguer Callejon Francisco, Cavaggion Giovanni
Shifts:
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Professors:
Balaguer Callejon Francisco, Cavaggion GiovanniProfessor(s)