31561 - Administrative Law and Public Procurement Law

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and main legal institutions of Administrative Law;
• be able to apply the knowledge acquired to solve legal issues and effectively communicate the proposed solutions;
• develop independent critical judgment in the interpretation and assessment of legal rules;
• acquire learning skills that will enable them to pursue further academic studies and support access to a wide range of professional careers.

Course contents

1. The Administrative Legal System: Solidarity, Substantive Equality, and the Balancing of Public and Private Interests
2. Sources of Law and the Regulatory Function.
3. Unilateral Determination of Legal Relationships and Interests.
4. Administrative Acts.
5. Administrative Procedure.
6. Public Administration and Institutional Organization.
7. Public Services.
8. Safeguards and Supervision within the Administrative Legal System.
9. Duties and Liability.
10. Public Property and Assets of Public Interest.
11. Public Procurement and Contracting Activities of Public Authorities.
12. The Public Procurement Code.

Readings/Bibliography

The textbooks will be selected and agreed upon with students during the course, taking into account their academic interests, preferred level of study, and specific learning needs.

The lecturer is available during weekly office hours (online every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) to provide guidance, answer questions, and discuss individualized study plans.

Students attending classes may take the examination on the basis of lecture notes. Handouts and presentation slides will also be provided.

* * *

Guidelines from the manuals for students' choices:

for Administrative Law:

• Manuale di diritto amministrativo, M. Clarich, 7. ed., Il Mulino, 2026, p. 520;
• Compendio di diritto amministrativo 2026. Con aggiornamento online, F. Caringella, 4. ed., Dike Giuridica, 2026, p. 438;
• Compendio di diritto amministrativo 2026. Nuova ediz., R. Garofoli, 16. ed., Neldiritto Editore, 2026, p. 688;
• Manuale di diritto amministrativo, G. della Cananea, M. Dugato, B. Marchetti, A. Police, M. Ramajoli, 3. ed., Giappichelli, 2025, p. 487;
• Compendio di diritto amministrativo, E. Casetta, a cura di F. Fracchia, 25. ed. riveduta e aggiornata, Lefebvre Giuffrè, 2025, p. 574;

furthermore, for Public Procurement Law:

• Le basi del diritto dei contratti pubblici, S. Fantini, H. Simonetti, 4. ed., Giuffrè Francis Lefebvre, 2024, p. 266;
• Manuale breve di diritto dei contratti pubblici, A. Maele, 2. ed., Pacini Giuridica, 2024, p. 392.

Very useful readings for students' in-depth study and reflections can be found in:

R. GAROFOLI, B.G. MATTARELLA, Governare la fragilità. Istituzioni, sicurezza nazionale, competitività, Milano, Mondadori, 2025.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be delivered through face-to-face lectures.

Particular emphasis will be placed on discussion and direct interaction with students, both during lectures and throughout the lecturer's scheduled office hours.

To further enrich the learning experience, the course will include seminars and meetings with distinguished representatives of civil society and experts from Public Institutions, aimed at exploring practical methodologies and real-world applications of administrative activity.

The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in Administrative Law, enabling them to understand its practical implications and to develop the skills necessary for professional practice and future employment.

Students are encouraged to regularly consult the lecturer's official website for announcements, updates, and information concerning the course.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of an oral exam, and grades are awarded on a scale of 30 points.

The oral examination covers all topics listed in the Course Contents and is intended to assess students' understanding of the concepts and legal institutions addressed throughout the course.

Assessment criteria are as follows:

• 18–19: Very limited preparation. Basic responses to questions with little use of technical legal language.
• 20–23: Satisfactory preparation. Acceptable answers demonstrating some use of legal terminology.
• 24–27: Good preparation. Accurate and relevant answers supported by appropriate legal language.
• 28–29: Very good preparation. Comprehensive answers with precise legal terminology and well-developed reasoning.
• 30: Excellent preparation. Thorough knowledge of the subject, highly appropriate legal language, and systematic presentation.
• 30 with Honors (30 cum laude): Outstanding and exceptional preparation. Excellent answers demonstrating in-depth study, advanced legal reasoning, intellectual maturity, and an exceptionally clear and analytical presentation.

In accordance with University and Department regulations, registration for the final examination must be completed through the University's online portal within the prescribed deadlines.

Degree thesis

No waiting list is required for thesis supervision.

Thesis assignments are made following an interview with the lecturer during scheduled office hours.

The appointment of a co-supervisor, where appropriate, must be previously agreed upon with the thesis supervisor.

Teaching tools

To support independent study and provide additional opportunities for in-depth learning, a variety of teaching materials will be made available through the website www.virtuale.it.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) who require reasonable accommodations or compensatory measures are encouraged to inform the lecturer of their needs so that appropriate arrangements can be made in cooperation with the University's designated support services.

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Caia