69926 - Comparative Constitutionalism

Learning outcomes

This course's aims are: A) to make students familiar with the basic aspects of contemporary constitutionalism in Western democracies, countries in transition to democracy and beyond, B) to show them that comparative constitutional law gives us a better purchase on our own legal systems and legal cultures; C) to push them to evaluate the foundations of individual legal system; D) to provide them with a critical understanding of the strengths and limits of constitutional law in regulating social and political processes. The course will tackle three main subjects: 1) The definition of constitutionalism, written and unwritten constitutions, models of constitutional adjudication and different approaches to interpretation; 2) The ways in which limitations on governmental powers have been pursued in different constitutional systems; 3) A comparative framework for discussion of fondamental rights such as free expression, privacy, dignity, autonomy, equality and liberty.

Syllabus

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Mancini

See the website of Francesco Biagi