Constitutional Law Advanced (ITALIAN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The student shall acquire:
- the knowledge of constitutional principles, practical issues and court rulings related to the sources of law, their evolution and their interrelationships;
- the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the resolution of specific case law, finding appropriate solutions for controversial issues, particularly in relation to conflicts between laws within the Italian legal system and in its interactions with other legal systems;
- the capacity to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate legal terminology and avoiding contradictions;
- the ability to analyze specific topics in constitutional law, concerning both Italian and supranational sources of law, as well as the ability to independently identify and study legal materials, case law, and the most relevant scientific texts.
- the knowledge of constitutional principles, practical issues and court rulings related to the sources of law, their evolution and their interrelationships;
- the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the resolution of specific case law, finding appropriate solutions for controversial issues, particularly in relation to conflicts between laws within the Italian legal system and in its interactions with other legal systems;
- the capacity to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate legal terminology and avoiding contradictions;
- the ability to analyze specific topics in constitutional law, concerning both Italian and supranational sources of law, as well as the ability to independently identify and study legal materials, case law, and the most relevant scientific texts.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students who have successfully learned the subject will have an in-depth knowledge of the topics covered. They will also have acquired the ability to apply constitutional principles to the field of legal sources, particularly in solving specific cases through the identification of applicable sources, the interpretation of rules, and the resolution of conflicts and antinomies.
Lesson period: Second semester
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 semester
Course syllabus
The course provides an in-depth analysis of the sources of Italian law, with specific reference to the criteria governing the legal system's normative ordering—namely, hierarchical structure, subject-matter competence, and temporal succession—as well as to the formal and substantive procedures for the adoption of normative acts and the legal requirements for their validity and enforceability.
In the academic year 2025/2026, lectures will specifically focus on:
· the concept and historical development of legal sources;
· the criteria for legal ordering and the resolution of normative conflicts (antinomies);
· the Constitution, constitutional laws, and the process of constitutional amendment;
· primary state sources, including statutes and government acts having the force of law;
· european and international sources, and their applicability within the domestic legal system;
· regional statutes and regional legislation.
In the academic year 2025/2026, lectures will specifically focus on:
· the concept and historical development of legal sources;
· the criteria for legal ordering and the resolution of normative conflicts (antinomies);
· the Constitution, constitutional laws, and the process of constitutional amendment;
· primary state sources, including statutes and government acts having the force of law;
· european and international sources, and their applicability within the domestic legal system;
· regional statutes and regional legislation.
Prerequisites for admission
Constitutional law; Private law.
Teaching methods
The course will be taught in 42 hours. In addition to traditional lectures, particular attention will be paid on the analysis and comments of the case law, with the active contribution of attending students.
Class attendance, even not mandatory, is highly recommended.
Class attendance, even not mandatory, is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Preparation for the exam may be based on the following text:
Federico Sorrentino, Le fonti del diritto italiano, quarta ed., Wolters Kluwer-Cedam, Milano, 2023.
The study of the basic text should be supported by additional materials available on the course website My ariel "Diritto costituzionale progredito (costituzionale italiano)" - 2025-26.
Federico Sorrentino, Le fonti del diritto italiano, quarta ed., Wolters Kluwer-Cedam, Milano, 2023.
The study of the basic text should be supported by additional materials available on the course website My ariel "Diritto costituzionale progredito (costituzionale italiano)" - 2025-26.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be oral and it will be aimed to test the knowledge and the judgment capacities of the student.
Attending students may take an optional written exam at the end of the course (10/12 multiple-choice questions and 2/3 open-ended questions), which accounts for 100% of the final grade.
Evaluation criteria are: a) knowledge of the relevant statutes and precedents; b) capacity to employ the acquired knowledge to the solution of specific case law; c) ability to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology.
Students with disability and learning disability are invited to contact the teacher to agree specific modalities of examination.
Erasmus students who request it will be able to arrange a specific program with the teachers.
Attending students may take an optional written exam at the end of the course (10/12 multiple-choice questions and 2/3 open-ended questions), which accounts for 100% of the final grade.
Evaluation criteria are: a) knowledge of the relevant statutes and precedents; b) capacity to employ the acquired knowledge to the solution of specific case law; c) ability to express notions and opinions correctly, using the appropriate terminology.
Students with disability and learning disability are invited to contact the teacher to agree specific modalities of examination.
Erasmus students who request it will be able to arrange a specific program with the teachers.
IUS/08 - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
Crivelli Elisabetta, Cuniberti Marco
Professor(s)