Course 2025-2026 a.y.

30048 - INTRODUCTION TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM - MODULE 2

Department of Law

Course taught in English

Student consultation hours
14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43
BIEF (6 credits - I sem. - OBBC  |  IUS/09) - BIEM (6 credits - I sem. - OBBC  |  IUS/05)
Course Director:
JUSTIN ORLANDO FROSINI

Classes: 14 (I sem.) - 15 (I sem.) - 16 (I sem.) - 17 (I sem.) - 18 (I sem.) - 19 (I sem.) - 40 (I sem.) - 41 (I sem.) - 42 (I sem.) - 43 (I sem.)
Instructors:
Class 14: GIUSEPPINA SCALA, Class 15: VIKTORIIA LAPA, Class 16: JUSTIN ORLANDO FROSINI, Class 17: VIKTORIIA LAPA, Class 18: GABRIELE MARINO NOBERASCO, Class 19: VALERIO LUBELLO, Class 40: ELISA BERTOLINI, Class 41: ELISA BERTOLINI, Class 42: ELISA BERTOLINI, Class 43: VALERIO LUBELLO


Suggested background knowledge

Note for exchange students: if you are interested in comparative public law we strongly advise you to sign up for course 30322 (or 30430 for advanced law students) because it is a single-section course that is much more suitable for exchange students than 30048 which is a multi-section course.

Mission & Content Summary

MISSION

What is the role of citizens within modern States and which are the main constitutional implications of social and historical phenomena on the development of the world as we know it? Comparative constitutional law addresses these issues while taking into account the different notions of legal norms, sovereignty and individuals throughout different normative contexts. This course provides students with a structured introduction to the concepts, tools and methods of comparative constitutional law, while helping students to develop critical thinking by using both a synchronic and a diachronic approach to learning.

CONTENT SUMMARY

The course offers an overview of the main constitutional developments across the globe and it covers the following topics:

  • Individual rights: Political, economic and civil rights and related safeguards in a comparative context.
  • Forms of State and Forms of Government: Forms of State and Transitions to Democracy. Forms of Government
  • Federalism, Regionalism and Devolution in a comparative context.
  • Legal Sources
  • Constitutional Justice: composition, role and functions of Constitutional and Supreme Courts. The fundamental aspects of American and European models of constitutional review. Classification of Court judgments and analysis of decision-making techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Discuss the impact of major historical and philosophical events on the development of the constitutional structure of States.
  • Identify the main elements characterizing constitutional systems across the globe.
  • Explain the approach of different legal systems to individual rights and constitutional justice.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Explain the aims of combining a diachronic and synchronic approach to the study of constitutional law.
  • Apply basic comparative methods to the understanding of constitutional law.
  • Develop skills in legal reasoning.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
  • Practical Exercises
  • Individual works / Assignments
  • Collaborative Works / Assignments

DETAILS

  • We often have distinguished constitutional law scholars hosted at Bocconi and therefore we take this opportunity for them to give talks to our class on specific topics.
  • Case studies in the field of constitutional law means examining judgments handed down by Constitutional and Supreme Courts and/or debating the current legal controversies.

Assessment methods

  Continuous assessment Partial exams General exam
  • Individual Works/ Assignment (report, exercise, presentation, project work etc.)
 x    
  • Collaborative Works / Assignment (report, exercise, presentation, project work etc.)
 x    
  • Active class participation (virtual, attendance)
 x    
  • Peer evaluation
 x    

ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

This course does not distinguish between attending and non attending students. A continuous assessment method is used for all students enrolled in this course.


Teaching materials


ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

The readings, slides and caes to study for ongong assessment will be indicated at the beginning of the course.

Last change 26/06/2025 11:32