Comparative Constitutional Law
Full course description
In this course, we study basic concepts of constitutional law. Particular attention is devoted to: the functioning of a state, different systems of government and the concept and application of the principle of separation of powers. Furthermore, different electoral systems and different mechanisms governing the relations between the executive and legislative branches of government will be discussed. The issues of federalism and bicameralism will be analysed. Finally, the rules governing constitutional review will be discussed, together with the issue of fundamental rights protection. These themes will be addressed with regard to the American, German, French, British and Dutch legal systems.
Course objectives
- To get students acquinted with the political and constitutional systems of a number of European countries and the United States.
- To introduce students to the overarching concepts of consitutional law.
Prerequisites
SSC1007 Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning or SSC1009 Introduction to European Integration or SSC2011 European Integration; History and Theory or SSC1025 Introduction to Political Science.
Recommended reading
- Heringa, A.W. (2016), Constitutions Compared - An Introduction to Comparative Constitutional Law. (4th Ed.) Antwerp/Oxford: Intersentia.
- S. Hardt and A.W. Heringa, eds. (2014), Sources of Constitutional Law, Antwerp/Oxford: Intersentia.