96476 - DIRITTO PUBBLICO ANGLO-AMERICANO

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Moduli: Susanna Mancini (Modulo 1) Luca Mezzetti (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Law (cod. 9232)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will understand the fundamental principles, the system of sources of law, and the structure of the English and US legal systems, both substantively and jurisdictionally, as well as the historical development of Anglo-American law.

In terms of knowledge, the student will comprehend:

  • The system of sources of English and US law and the distinguishing factors between the two models.
  • The structure of the English and North American judicial systems.
  • The historical evolution of the English and US systems, as well as the parallels and differences between the two models.

In terms of skills, the student will be able to find, consult, and apply the sources and jurisprudence of English and US law and understand the unique characteristics of the institutions and procedures of the two systems. The student will be aware of the distinguishing traits of Anglo-American law compared to systems within the Roman-Germanic legal family and, from an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective, will discern the structure of the Anglo-Saxon legal family relative to other legal traditions. These analyses are also part of the training offered in courses such as the Law of Asian Countries and the Law of Islamic Countries.

Thus, the introduction of this course represents a fundamental addition to the training offered by the CDS, filling a gap and enabling students to learn the essential concepts of Anglo-American law, a legal family of significant global importance and influence.

Course contents

The historical evolution of the English and US legal systems.

The system of sources of English law and US law.

The structure of the English and North American judicial system.

Fundamental Rights and Freedoms in the US constitutional system.


Readings/Bibliography

1. L. Mezzetti, Tradizioni giuridiche e fonti del diritto, Giappichelli, 2020, pagg. 197-290;

2. C. Bassu, M. Betzu, F. Clementi, Diritto costituzionale degli Stati Uniti d'America. Una introduzione d Giappichelli, 2022;

Materials provided by the instructors and uploaded on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

The analysis of the categories of Anglo-American public law is conducted with constant reference to the legislation and jurisprudence of the primary Anglo-Saxon legal systems.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral and focuses on the topics listed in the "Program and Contents" section. The evaluation is based on:

  • The student’s knowledge of US and UK institutions.
  • The ability to analyze legal sources and other legal materials.
  • The ability to make connections between different topics.
  • The ability to develop critical arguments.
  • The use of legal terminology.

The following criteria will be used to assign the final mark (out of 30/30):

  • 18-19/30: Knowledge of a very limited number of topics, requiring extensive support from the instructor to address and answer the questions, basic yet appropriate language.
  • 20-24/30: Knowledge of a limited number of topics, ability to autonomously address basic legal problems, use of appropriate language.
  • 25-29/30: Comprehensive knowledge of the program, ability to autonomously and critically analyze legal problems, use of specific terminology.
  • 30-30L/30: Extensive knowledge of the program, ability to reason autonomously and critically analyze legal problems, make connections between topics, master specific terminology, and build sound legal arguments.

Please register for the final exam on the Almaesami application here [https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm] .

Thesis: Degree theses are assigned by Prof. Susanna Mancini and Prof. Luca Mezzetti following an interview. Each student will be assigned a thesis tutor.

Classes will be held in the first semester; therefore, students who attend during the fall can sit for the final exam starting in January.

Teaching tools

Slides will be provided on Virtuale.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) who need compensatory tools should address both instructors by email, cc the UNIBO Office for Students with Disabilities. 

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Mancini

See the website of Luca Mezzetti

SDGs

Gender equality Reduced inequalities

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.