Comparative Constitutional Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Aim of the course is to develop the knowledge of comparative constitutional law in theory and practice.
In the first part, the course will offer theoretical overview of the methodology of comparative law and will examine the forms of state and forms of government closely. The course will therefore study some constitutional systems of selected Countries belonging to the Western legal tradition.
In the second part, the course will investigate relevant case law in comparative perspective. Students may be asked to read additional material useful for the lessons.
During the course it would be possible that some class could be teach by some foreign Professors.
In the first part, the course will offer theoretical overview of the methodology of comparative law and will examine the forms of state and forms of government closely. The course will therefore study some constitutional systems of selected Countries belonging to the Western legal tradition.
In the second part, the course will investigate relevant case law in comparative perspective. Students may be asked to read additional material useful for the lessons.
During the course it would be possible that some class could be teach by some foreign Professors.
Expected learning outcomes
The course will lead to the following outcomes:
- students shall know the fundamental aspects comparative law methodology and historical development of comparative constitutional law
- students shall be able to understand the notions acquired during the course and to apply them to the current issues and ongoing case law in a comparative law perspective.
- students shall be able to make accurate judgments on the main comparative constitutional law issues. Students shall be able to assess the importance, but also the critical points, of the comparative methodology;
- students shall be able to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology;
- students shall acquire good individual study skills and shall apply the acquired notions to different constitutional systems.
- students shall know the fundamental aspects comparative law methodology and historical development of comparative constitutional law
- students shall be able to understand the notions acquired during the course and to apply them to the current issues and ongoing case law in a comparative law perspective.
- students shall be able to make accurate judgments on the main comparative constitutional law issues. Students shall be able to assess the importance, but also the critical points, of the comparative methodology;
- students shall be able to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology;
- students shall acquire good individual study skills and shall apply the acquired notions to different constitutional systems.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Analytical Program: Methodologies of comparison; constitutional history; separation of powers; forms of State and systems of government; constitutional systems of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Spain; Germany and Russia; examples of legal comparison related to the third sector and new rights
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
The theoretical frontal lessons will be supported by slides. The active participation of students is appreciated and stimulated.
Teaching Resources
Non-attending students:
AA VV, Costituzioni comparate, Torino, Giappichelli, ultima edizione disponibile + M. Volpi, Libertà e autorità, Giappichelli editore, 2022.
Attending students:
AA VV, Costituzioni comparate, Torino, Giappichelli, ultima edizione disponibile + two readings on the topics of the third sector and new rights that will be made available at the beginning of the lectures (February 2026).
Possible reductions of the program will be reserved for attending students who during the course demonstrate to have achieved a good knowledge of the course program, as explained during the first lesson.
AA VV, Costituzioni comparate, Torino, Giappichelli, ultima edizione disponibile + M. Volpi, Libertà e autorità, Giappichelli editore, 2022.
Attending students:
AA VV, Costituzioni comparate, Torino, Giappichelli, ultima edizione disponibile + two readings on the topics of the third sector and new rights that will be made available at the beginning of the lectures (February 2026).
Possible reductions of the program will be reserved for attending students who during the course demonstrate to have achieved a good knowledge of the course program, as explained during the first lesson.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be oral and it will assess the student's knowledge of the fundamentals of the subject as well as expository and reasoning skills. The assessment is expressed by a grade in thirtieths, with laude where appropriate.
Attending students may take part in two exercises (one in the middle and one at the end of the course). These exercises, as well as having teaching value, will be taken into account for the final assessment, unless otherwise agreed with the individual students.
Attending students may take part in two exercises (one in the middle and one at the end of the course). These exercises, as well as having teaching value, will be taken into account for the final assessment, unless otherwise agreed with the individual students.
IUS/21 - COMPARATIVE PUBLIC LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor:
Osti Alessandra
Professor(s)
Reception:
In order to schedule an appointment, please write at: [email protected]
the appointements will be held on line on Teams platform or in presence