Comparative Private Law

A.Y. 2025/2026
9
Max ECTS
63
Overall hours
SSD
IUS/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course is intended to provide students with:
- A basic knowledge of the comparative method and the fundamental features of the great legal traditions in their historical and contemporary evolution;
- The ability to apply the comparative method and awareness of the current results achieved by comparative science in relation to the divergences and convergences between the great legal traditions and the main contemporary legal systems;
- A capacity for original analysis and argumentation in relation to the issues addressed in the course, with particular reference to cases and materials discussed in the classroom;
- The ability to use precise language and legal terminology to express and demonstrate strong awareness of legal concepts and categories, including the problems of legal translation;
- Understanding of the main characteristics of different legal traditions, as well as their similarities and differences.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, successful students will have a thorough knowledge of course topics and will have acquired the tools to understand the comparative method, its nature and usefulness.
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

Surname A-D

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Legal comparison.
The diversity and uniformity of law.
The Western legal tradition.
English law, from its origins to the present day.
The legal experience of the United States of America.
The common roots of Civil Law systems.
The French model.
The German system.
Modern Civil Law systems between French and German influences.
Eastern Europe and the socialist model.
The law of Islamic countries.
Indian law.
Law in the Far East (China, Japan).
Sub-Saharan Africa.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through traditional lectures. In addition, Italian and international lecturers will participate, addressing topics of particular interest.
Further exploration of comparative private law may also be pursued through supplementary modules chosen by the student.
Teaching Resources
Texts for exam preparation (9 credits):
A. Gambaro - R. Sacco, Sistemi giuridici comparati, 5th ed., Torino, Utet, 2024.
A. Candian - A. Gambaro, Casi e materiali per un corso di diritto privato comparato, 2nd ed., Torino, Giappichelli, 2015.

Recommended reading:
R. Sacco, Che cos'è il diritto comparato, Milano, Giuffrè, 1992.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examinations are held according to the scheduled calendar. Both attending and non-attending students will take an oral exam consisting of a 20-25 minute interview based on the textbooks listed below.
The oral exam is graded on a scale of thirty, with honors (cum laude) awarded where appropriate.
Evaluation criteria for the oral exam include the accuracy of content, clarity of argumentation, and the ability to engage in critical analysis and original interpretation.
IUS/02 - COMPARATIVE PRIVATE LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor: Candian Albina

Surname E-N

Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Comparative legal systems.
Legal comparison. Diversity and uniformity of law. The Western legal tradition.
English law: from the origins to nowadays.
The American legal experience.
The roots of Common law and the experiences of Civil law.
The French model.
The German system.
The modern systems of Civil law, between French and German influences.
Eastern Europe and the socialist model.
Islamic law.
Indian law.
Law in the Far East (China, Japan).
Sub-Saharan Africa legal systems.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites.
Teaching methods
The course takes place through lessons of frontal teaching. In addition, it is provided for the participation of Italian and foreign academics.
The study of the subject of comparative private law can also be carried out through optional modules.
Teaching Resources
Course material (9 credits):
A. Gambaro - M. Graziedei - R. Sacco, Sistemi giuridici comparati (Comparative Legal Systems), edition, Torino, Utet, 2024.
A. Candian - A. Gambaro, Casi e materiali per un corso di diritto privato comparato (Cases and Materials for Course on Comparative Private Law), 2nd edition, Torino, Giappichelli, 2015.

Recommended reading:
R. Sacco, Che cos'è il diritto comparato (What is Comparative law), Milano, Giuffrè, 1992.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exams will be held according to the exam schedule, in the form of an oral discussion lasting approximately 20/25 minutes on the contents of the textbooks indicated below.
Grades are expressed with a mark in thirtieths, with possible honors.
Students will be evaluated according to the accuracy and argumentative clarity of their responses, in addition to their ability to critically analyze and re-elaborate course topics.
on the contents of the textbooks indicated below.
IUS/02 - COMPARATIVE PRIVATE LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours

Surname O-Z

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
IUS/02 - COMPARATIVE PRIVATE LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor: Marchetti Carlo
Professor(s)
Reception:
Fri 14.30
Dipartimento di Diritto Privato e Storia del Diritto - 1° piano