00534 - Principles of Public Law (A-E)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a range of knowledge and tools, both in terms of notions and methodology. At the end of the course, students will: - know the basic notions of state and law, the Constitution, the relationship between the domestic and supranational legal systems, fundamental rights, and the organisation of public powers; - understand the fundamental institutions of Italian public law; - apply the methodology of legal analysis, with the aim of grasping not only the descriptive dimension but also the dutifulness dimension; - provide a legal framework for the main political phenomena, especially on a national, regional and local scale; - illustrate these institutions and phenomena, with particular reference to the most important aspects of the Italian legal system.

Course contents

The programme is structured as follows:

The legal system and constitutional law. The state. The italian Constitution. International law and European Union law. The sources of law. The protection of rights. The catalogue of rights. Forms of government. Popular sovereignty. The Parliament. The President of the Republic. The government of the Republic. Regional and local governments. Public administrations. The judicial system. Constitutional justice.

Readings/Bibliography

Students (both attending and non-attending) should prepare for the examination on the following text:

I) General Part

A. Barbera, C. Fusaro, C. Caruso, Corso di diritto pubblico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2024

II) Special Part

Three chapter to choose from C. Caruso, C. Valentini (a cura di), Grammatica del costituzionalismo, Bologna, il Mulino, 2021

Teaching methods

Classes will take place during the first semester, according to the schedule that will be published subsequently.

Lessons are held in person, with the support of digital teaching materials that will be available on the Virtual platform.

Some in-depth seminars will be held by experts. The active participation of students is strongly encouraged, both during the lesson and in the exercises on current topics.

Assessment methods

Final Exam

The students learning will be verified through a final exam, testing the formative outcomes of the course.

The final exam consists of an oral examination led by teaching assistants and professor.

The assessment will take into account the general knowledge of the main topics of the course, as well as the ability to analyze case law and its theorical implications, the critical approach and and argumentative clarity.

By way of example, the following criteria will be used to assess the final grade (that will be out of 30/30):
- sufficient or barely sufficient knowledge of the programme, limited reasoning ability, some difficulties in using technical and legal language → 18-21/30;

- fairly good knowledge of the programme, adequate critical reasoning ability, sound use of technical and legal language → 22-25/30;

- comprehensive knowledge of the programme, notable reasoning ability, good command of technical and legal language → 26-29/30;

- extensive knowledge of the programme, very good reasoning ability, and ability to fully master technical-legal language → 30-30L/30.

Attending students can split the exam into two parts.

The first one takes place at the end of the first teaching module, the second at the end of the course. The tests are in written form and consist of quizzes and open-ended questions on the topics covered both in class and in the texts.

The same criteria as above apply to the evaluation of the two parts. The final grade is based on the average of the marks given. Those who have successfully passed the tests may apply for an oral supplement in the winter session.

Final Thesis

The thesis topic is given after a talk with the Professor. The editing modalities will be fixed in accordance with the Professors. The final thesis will be delivered to the Professor two weeks before the delivery to the administration office.

Teaching tools

Students can use Pandoracampus, the service associated to the textbook. The space is dedicated to the study and teaching; in it are available insights, questions for review, summary diagrams, online tutors, etc.

Students are adequately supported by a tutor with regard to any questions or issues on the examination program or the course.

Tutor Ms. Lorella Ponzetta: lorella.ponzetta2@unibo.it

Students in any case can ask the professor questions during office hours o via mail.

Office hours

See the website of Caterina Domenicali