99104 - LABORATORIO: LINGUA E SCRITTURA GIURIDICA DI BASE

Course contents

SYLLABUS

 Lesson 1: Language and Law: An Introduction. Law as a "linguistic phenomenon". The distinction between common language and legal language. Essential characteristics of legal language.

Lesson 2: Practical Session.

Lesson 3: From Calvino's "Anti-language" to Legalese Distortions. The defects of legal language.

Lesson 4: Practical Session.

Lesson 5: Interpretation of Legal Texts: Learning How to Read the Law.

Lesson 6: Practical Session.

Lesson 7: Legal Writing: An Introduction. Different types of legal texts, their objectives, and characteristics.

Lesson 8: Practical Session.

Lesson 9: From Content to Structure to Form. Fundamental principles for drafting a legal text.

Lesson 10: Practical Session.

Lesson 11: Conciseness, Clarity, Precision. Essential characteristics of a good legal text.

Lesson 12: Practical Session.

 

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students, relevant materials will be indicated by the instructor during each lecture and subsequently uploaded to “Virtuale,” the e-learning platform of the University of Bologna (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).


For non-attending students, the study of the following text is mandatory: C. LUCCHINI, A. LUCCHINI, Scrivere diritto. Tecniche di scrittura per la comunicazione giuridica, Palestra della Scrittura, 2018.

Teaching methods

The program of the Laboratory is divided into two modules.

Module 1 (conducted by Professor Giorgio Spedicato) is theoretical in nature and consists of 6 lectures, each lasting 2 hours. This module will cover the essential aspects of legal language, fundamental techniques of legal interpretation, and the basic principles of effective legal writing.

Module 2 (conducted by Professor Francesca Faenza) is practical-applied in nature and involves a series of group exercises on the topics covered in Module 1, with sessions of active and participatory correction.

Each theoretical lecture will be followed by a laboratory session aimed at applying the theoretical knowledge acquired during the previous lecture.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning will be conducted through a written examination, lasting 90 minutes, based on the topics covered in lectures and exercises.

Teaching tools

Students who, for reasons dependent on disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA), need compensatory tools can communicate their needs to the teacher in order to be directed to the referents and agree on the adoption of the most appropriate measures.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Spedicato

See the website of Francesca Faenza