LS4078: COMPARATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (2014-2015)

Course Aims: The aim of the course is to introduce students to the methods and purposes of comparative constitutional law, to explain how the powers of government are allocated in different jurisdictions and to analyse how constitutional rights are protected. The topics include constitutional borrowing; federalism; presidential and parliamentary systems, the types of judicial review; different approaches to constitutional interpretation; the right of privacy; freedom of religion; equality. Main Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the course students will have been introduced to, understood and critically evaluated:

The main functions of constitutions;

How the concept of the people is conceptualised in different constitutions;

Federalism;

The systems of government (parliamentarism, presidentialism, semi-presidentialism);

Constitutional judicial review;

Constitutional interpretation; and

Selected constitutional rights. Subject Specific Skills and Concepts The skills students will acquire or develop are:

Analytical skills to construct well-reasoned arguments concerning issues of human rights;

Ability to criticise such arguments;

Skills of synthesis in piecing together historical, institutional and philosophical insights in assessing the problem of constitutional design; and

Research skills, cooperative skills and oral skills through working together on a topic and making presentations. Key Skills (Transferable)

Communicate orally and in writing;

Ability to work effectively in small groups to contribute to the group’s task;

Ability to work independently, to organise and manage time, stress and effort in performance of tasks;

Problem solving skills;

Critical analysis;

Logical argument;

An ability to synthesise and organise complex materials and arguments;

With limited guidance act independently, and where appropriate as part of team, in planning and undertaking tasks;

Conduct formal and informal oral presentations;

Make appropriate use of technology in research, writing and oral presentations; and

Reflect on own learning and to seek and make use of feedback. Content:

Constitution-making process and the concept of constituent power;

The vertical separation of powers: federal and unitary states;

The horizontal separation of powers: parliamentarism, presidentialism and semi-presidentialism;

Constitutional judicial review;

Constitutional Interpretation; and

Selected constitutional rights (the right to privacy and autonomy, freedom of religion).

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View LS4078 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: One 2,500 word essay (25%) and 1 three-hour written examination (75%). Resit: None.

One 1,000 word essay for MA Legal Studies students.

Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

None.