EU Comparative Constitutional Law
Structure of the course:
- Comparing Legal Systems: Civil Law Tradition
- Comparing Legal Systems: Common Law Tradition
- History of Constitutionalism
- Structure and Jurisdiction of Constitutional Courts
- Constitutional Courts and Foundational Cases
- New Constitutionalism and Constitutional Politics in Europe
- Use of Foreign and International Materials, Constitutional Borrowing
- Constitutional Moments and Transitions
- Towards a Constitutional Treaty for the European Union
Impact:
This course comprises an overview of the foundations of constitutionalism using a comparative perspective. It focuses on the historical, cultural, and socio-legal influences which shape constitutions and constitutional interpretation in selected European, as well as some North American and Asian jurisdictions; separation of powers; rights and responsibilities; and constitutional amendment. The course also examines relations between three branches of government, as well as the role and jurisdiction of constitutional courts in selected democracies. Students completing this course are expected to gain an understanding of major legal traditions and diversity among constitutional systems in Europe, North America, and Asia; be familiar with diverse foundations of constitutionalism; demonstrate awareness of key comparative constitutional concepts; gain a greater understanding of the Ukrainian Constitution from its comparison with others; and gain a rudimentary notion of how to approach the challenges of constitution making and amending.
Prof. in charge:
Andriy Meleshevich
Discipline of Audience:
Bachelor and Master students in law, political science, history
