Learning objectives
Through the examination of the European legal evolution, the course aims to provide an overview of the basic notions of contemporary law, concepts and institutions.
At the end of the course the student is expected to know and remember the evolutionary stages of the European legal experience, along with its most important institutes. Moreover, attending students are expected to be able to independently analyse documents selected by the professor and to communicate
effectively using an appropriate legal lexicon. Non attending students are expected to be able to answer questions on the content of the textbook using an appropriate legal lexicon.
Prerequisites
A good knowledge of the English language is necessary.
Course unit content
The aim of the course is to identify the main features of European law, analysing the historical evolution of the following topics, along with a cultural comparison between the western legal tradition and other legal experiences.
Full programme
The main subjects of the course: 1. Religious and Secular Law. Bridging across Law and Ethics. Natural and Positive law. 2. Secular Law and Public institutions. The institutional framework inherited from Rome. The medieval experience and its evolution. Modern and contemporary models of state organization. 3. The relationship between the individual and the State. Individual rights into the ancient and medieval world. Social contract's theory. The issue of sovereignty. 4. The creation of civic rules. Customs from primary to secondary source. The law, from ancient to modern codification. Legal science: rules’ production and interpretation
Bibliography
Paolo Grossi, A history of European law, Malden, Mass. (Wiley-Blackwell), 2010 (or the last edition available).
Teaching methods
In addition to classroom lectures, the course will present seminars and debates, in order to enable attending students to familiarise themselves with the discussion of various legal topics. An active participation of the students is required.
Assessment methods and criteria
Attending students. The achievement of the learning outcomes will be verified according to the following indication. The student will write in English a short essay about a topic analysed during the course and he will discuss the essay in an oral examination.
Non attending students. The achievement of the learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination, in which the student will answer to questions about the content of the textbook.
Other information
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